I 




Ionte-Cristo's Daughter 



SEQUEL TO 



ALEXANDER DUMAS' 



GREAT NOVEL, THE "COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO," AND 
CONCLUSION OF " EDMOND DANTES." 



" Monte-Cristo's Daughter/' a wonderfully brilliant, original, exciting and absorb- 
ing novel, is the Sequel to " The Count of Monte-Cristo," Alexander Dumas' master- 
work, and the continuation and conclusion of that great romance, " Edmond Dantes." It 
possesses rare power, unflagging interest and an intricate plot that for constructive skill 
and efficient development stands unrivalled. Zuleika, the beautiful daughter of Monte- 
Cristo and Haydee, is the heroine, and her suitor, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti, an ardent, 
impetuous young Roman, the hero. The latter, through a flirtation with a pretty flower- 
girl, Annunziata Solara, becomes involved in a maze of suspicion that points to him as an 
abductor and an assassin, causes his separation from Zuleika and converts him into a 
maniac. The straightening out of these tangled complications constitutes the main theme 
of the thrilling book. The novel abounds in ardent love scenes and stirring adventures. 
The Count of Monte-Cristo figures largely in it, and numerous Monte-Cristo characters are 
introduced. " Monte-Cristo's Daughter " is the latest addition to Petersons' famous 
series, consisting of " The Count of Monte-Cristo," " Edmond Dantes," " The Countess 
of Monte-Cristo," "The Wife of Monte-Cristo," and " The Son of Monte-Cristo." 



APR 



27 



886 



T. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
B. PETERSON & BROTHERS; 
306 CHESTNUT STREET. 



copyright: 
a?, b. ^Ea?Ei^soasr & brothers. 



1886. 




a MO^TE-OEISTO SERIES." 

Petersons* Complete and Unabridged Editions. 

MONTE-CEISTO'S DAUGHTER. Sequel to Alexander Dumas' Cele- 
brated Novel of " The Count of Monte- Cristo," and Conclusion of " Edmond 
Dantes." With an Illustrated Cover, with Portrait of " Monte-Cristo' s Daugh- 
ter, Zuleika," on it. Every person that has read " The Count of Monte-Cristo " 
should get " Monte-Cristo' 's Daughter" at once, and read it. It is complete in 
one large duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 cents, or $1.25 in cloth. 

EDMOND DANTES. The Sequel to " The Count of Monte-Cristo," by Alex- 
ander Dumas. "Edmond Dantes" is one of the most wonderful romances ever 
issued. Just at the point where "The Count of Monte-Cristo" ends, "Edmond 
Dantes" takes up the fascinating narrative and continues it with marvellous power 
and absorbing interest unto the end. Every person that has read " The Count of 
Monte-Cristo" should get "Edmond Dantes" at once, and read it. Complete 
in one large Duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 cents, or #1.25 in cloth. 

THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO. Petersons' New Illustrated 
Edition. By Alexander Dumas. With full-page Engravings, illustrative of va- 
rious scenes in the work. Petersons' Edition of The Count of Monte-Cristo" 
is the only Complete and Unabridged Edition of it ever translated, and it is con- 
ceded by all to be the greatest as well as the most exciting and best historical novel 
ever printed. Complete in one large octavo volume of six hundred pages, with il- 
lustrations, paper cover, price One Dollar, or $1.50 bound in morocco cloth. 

THE WIFE OF MONTE-CRISTO. Being the Continuation of Alexander 
Dumas' Celebrated Novel of "The Count of Monte-Cristo." With an Illus- 
trated Cover, with Portraits of "Monte-Cristo," "Haydee," and their faithful 
servant, "Ali," on it. Every person that has read "The Count of Monte- 
Cristo" should get "The Wife of Monte-Cristo" at once, and read it. Com- 
plete in one large duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 cents, or $1.25 in cloth. 

THE SON OF MONTE-CRISTO. Being the Sequel to "The Wife of 
Monte-Cristo." With an Illustrated Cover, with Portraits of the heroines in the 
work on it. Every person that has read "The Count of Monte-Cristo" or 
"The Wife of Monte-Cristo " should get " The Son of Monte-Cristo" at once, 
and read it. Complete in one large duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 
cents, or $1.25 in cloth. 

THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. Being the Companion to 
Alexander Dumas' Celebrated Novel of "The Count of Monte-Cristo," and 
fully equal to that world-renowned novel. At the very commencement of the 
novel the Count of Monte-Cristo, Haydee, the wife of Monte-Cristo, and Esperance, 
the son of Monte-Cristo, take part in a weird scene, in which Mercedes, Albert de 
Morcerf and the Countess of Monte-Cristo also participate. Complete in one large 
octavo volume, paper cover, price One Dollar, or $1.50 in cloth. 

4®"" Peterson's editions of "Monte-Cristo Series " are for sale by all Booksellers, 
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to any one, post-paid, on remitting the price of the ones wanted to the Publishers, 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, Pa. 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter. Page. 

I. MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA ... 21 

II. A STRANGELY SENT EPISTL& 33 

III. THE INTRUDER IN THE CONTVENT GARDEN . 45 

IV. A STORMY INTERVIEW 57 

V. ANNUNZIATA SOLARA 69 

VI. THE POWER OF A NAME 81 

VII. IN THE PEASANT'S HUT 91 

VIII. A SYLVAN IDYL . 101 

ix. the abduction 112 

x. the countess of monte-cristo 130 

xi. the beggar and his mates 142 

xii. father and daughter 156 

xiii. morcerf's adventure 166 

xiv. zuleika and mme. morrel 183 

xv. an unexpected meeting 195 

xvi. amid the colosseum's ruins 206 

xvii. peppino's story . . . . 218 

(19) ' 



20 CONTENTS. 

Chapter. Page. 
XVIII. MORE OF PEPPINO'S STORY . 228 

XIX. THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM 238 

XX. THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO 248 

XXI. ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH 264 

XXII. THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN 274 

XXIII. A MODERN MIRACLE < 285 

XXIV. A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER 296 

XXV. A VISIT TO THE REFUGE 306 

XXVI. VAMP A AND MONTE-CRISTO 316 

XXVII. THE BANDITS 7 REPRISALS 326 

XXVIII. THE RAID ON THE BANDITS 336 

XXIX. VAMPA'S TRIAL 346 

XXX. JOY UNBOUNDED 363 



Monte-Cmsto's Daughter. 



SEQUEL TO ALEXANDER DUMAS 1 GREAT NOVEL, "THE 
COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO? AND CONTINUATION 
AND CONCLUSION OF " EDMOND D ANTES. 17 



CHAPTER I. 

MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 

THE Count of Monte-Cristo was in Eome. He 
had hired one of the numerous private palaces, 
the Palazzo Costi, situated on a broad thoroughfare 
near the point where the Ponte St. Angelo connects 
Eome proper with that transtiberine suburb known 
as the Leonine City or Trastavere. The impecunious 
Roman nobility were ever ready to let their palaces 
to titled foreigners of wealth, and Ali, acting for the 
Count, had experienced no difficulty in procuring for 
his master an abode that even a potentate might 
have envied him. It was a lofty, commodious edifice, 
built of white marble in antique architectural design, 
and commanded from its ample balconies a fine view of 
the Tiber and its western shore, upon which loomed 

(21) 



22 MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 

up that vast prison and citadel, the Castle of St. 
Angelo, and the largest palace in the world, the 
Vatican. 

The Count of Monte-Cristo had always liked Eome 
because of its picturesque, mysterious antiquity, but 
his present mission there had nothing whatever to do 
with his individual tastes. He had fixed himself for 
a time in the Eternal City that his daughter Zuleika, 
Hayd^e's* child, might finish her education at a famous 
convent school conducted under the auspices of the 
Sisterhood of the Sacred Heart. 

Zuleika was fifteen years of age, but looked much 
older, having the early maturity of the Greeks, whose 
ardent blood, on her dead mother's side, flowed in 
her youthful veins. She had attained her full height, 
and was tall and well-developed. She strongly resem- 
bled her mother, possessing brilliant beauty of the 
dreamy, voluptuous oriental type. Her hair was 
abundant and black as night. She had dark, flashing 
eyes, pearly teeth, full ruby lips and feet and hands 
that were of fairylike diminutiveness, as well as mira- 
cles of grace and dainty shapeliness. In temperament 
she was more like Haydee than the Count, though 
she possessed her father's quick decision and firmness, 
with the addition of much of his enthusiasm. 

The Palazzo Costi was magnificently furnished, so 
the Count had made no alterations in that respect, 
bringing with him only the family wardrobe and a 



*A full account of the life of Haydee, will be found in that great romance, 
"The Wife of Monte-Cristo," published complete and unabridged by T. B. 
Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia. 



M0NTE-CRIST0 AND THE PKIMA DONNA. 23 



portion of his library, consisting mainly of oriental 
manuscripts written in weird, cabalistic characters and 
intelligible to no one but himself. 

The household was made up solely of the Count, 
his son Esperance,* his daughter Zuleika, the faithful 
Nubian mute Ali and five or six male and female 
domestics. Having no other object than his daughter's 
education, the Count wished to live in as thorough 
retirement as he could, but it was impossible for him to 
keep his presence a secret, and no sooner had it become 
known that he was in Eome than he was besieged by 
hosts of callers belonging to the highest nobility, 
mingled with whom came numerous patriots, disciples 
of the unfortunate Savonarola, distinguished for their 
firm devotion to the cause of Italian liberty. 

At an early hour of the morning upon which this 
narrative opens the Count of Monte- Cristo sat alone 
in a small apartment of the Palazzo Costi, which 
had been arranged as his study and in which his pre- 
cious manuscripts were stored in closely locked cabi- 
nets. The Count had a copy of a Eoman newspaper 
before him, and his eyes were fixed on a paragraph 
that seemed to have fascinated him as the serpent 
fascinates the bird. The paragraph read as follows: 

u Mlle. Louise d* Armilly, the famous prima donna, 
who will sing to-night at the Apollo Theatre her 
great role of Lucrezia Borgia, has, it appears, a deep 
impenetrable mystery surrounding her. She is French 

*A full account of his life and of Espgrance's remarkable career will be 
found in that absorbing novel, •« The Son of Monte-Cristo," published com- 
plete and unabridged by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia. 



24 MONTE-C&ISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 

by birth, and is said to be the daughter of a banker, 
who vanished under peculiar circumstances, but, as she 
positively declines to speak of her history, we can 
only give the rumors concerning her for what they 
are worth. M. Leon d' Armilly, brother of the 
prima donna, who supports her in Donizetti's opera, 
also refuses to be communicative. At any rate, the 
mere hint of the mystery has already caused quite a 
flutter of excitement in high society circles and that 
is sufficient to insure a crowded house." 

"Louise d' Armilly!" murmured the Count, half- 
audibly. "The name is familiar, certainly, though 
where I have seen or heard it before I cannot now 
recall. The lady is French by birth, the paper says^ 
and that fact, at least, is a sufficient pretext for me to 
visit her. I will call on her as a fellow countryman, and 
the interview will demonstrate if she is known to me." 

The Count arose, went to his desk and, seating 
himself there, wrote the following brief epistle: 

"Edmond Dantes* Count of Monte-Cristo, desires 
permission to call upon Mile. Louise d' Armilly at 
ten o'clock this morning. In this desire M. Dant&s 
is actuated solely by the wish to lay the homage of 
a Frenchman at the feet of so distinguished an artiste 
of his own nation as Mile, d' Armilly." 

Having finished, sealed and addressed this note, the 
Count touched a bell which was immediately answered 
by the ever- watchful Nubian. 



*For a full account of the life and career of "Edmond Dantes," one of the 
most powerful and thrilling novels ever issued, see "Edmond Dantes," pub- 
lished complete and unabridged by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia. 



M0NTE-CRIST0 AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 25 

"Ali," said the Count, in the Arabic tongue, "take 
this letter to the Hotel de France and wait for a 
reply." 

The faithful servant bowed almost to the floor, took 
the missive and departed. When he had gone, the 
Count walked the apartment with the long strides 
habitual to him at such times as he was engrossed by 
some all-powerful thought. 

"Surely," he muttered, "this artiste can in no way 
interest me personally, and yet I feel a subtile premo- 
nition that it would be wise in me to see her. 77 

He was still pacing the study when Ali returned. 
The Nubian 7 s usually impassible face bore traces of 
excitement and horror. He prostrated himself at his 
master's feet and, with his visage pressed against the 
floor, held up his hand, presenting to the Count the 
identical letter of which he had been the bearer. 

" Why, how is this, Ali ? 77 asked the Count, frown- 
ing. "My letter sent back without an answer. The 
seal has been broken, too. It must have been read. 77 

The mute slowly arose and began an eloquent panto- 
mime which his master readily translated into words : 

" You went to the Hotel de France and sent up the 
letter. In ten minutes it was returned to you by the 
lady 7 s valet, who said all the answer the Count of 
Monte- Cristo deserved from his mistress was written on 
the back. 77 

Ali nodded his head in confirmation of his masters 
translation, looking as if he expected to be severely 
reprimanded for being the bearer of such an indignity. 
The Count, however, merely smiled. Curiosity rather 



26 



MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 



than anger predominated in him. He turned the letter 
over and read, scrawled in pencil in a woman's hand, 
the following brief and enigmatical but insulting 
communication : 

"Any Frenchman save the ignominious M. Dantes, 
the so-called Count of Monte-Oristo, would be welcome 
to Mile, d' Armilly. That person she does not wish 
to see and will not." 

The Count was perplexed and also amused. The 
fervor of the prima donna made him smile. He cer- 
tainly did not know her, certainly had never seen her. 
Why then was she so bitter against him? He could 
make nothing out of it. Was it possible her name was 
really as familiar to him as it had seemed? The irate 
artiste had surely heard of the Count of Monte- Cristo 
and, therefore, could not be mistaken in regard to his 
identity, but in what way could he have injured her 
or incurred her anger? The more he thought of the 
matter the more perplexed he grew. As he was de- 
bating within himself what action he ought to take, 
there was a knock at the door and a domestic entered, 
handing him a card upon which was inscribed: "Cap- 
tain Joliette." 

"Ha!" cried Monte-Cristo, "he comes in time. 
He will aid me in solving this mystery." 

He motioned Ali from the study, and directed the 
valet who had brought the card to show the visitor 
up at once. In another instant Captain Joliette en- 
tered the room. The Count sprang forward to greet 
him. 

"Welcome, Captain," said he. "I have not seen 



MONTE-CKISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 27 

you since our stirring adventures in Algeria.* I hope 
you are well and happy. By the way, what are you 
doing in Eome? I was not aware you were here." 

"I am here simply by chance," answered the young 
soldier, with a blush that belied his words. "I was 
in Italy on a little pleasure trip and naturally drifted 
to the Eternal City. I learned only this morning that 
you were installed at the Palazzo Costi and instantly 
hastened to pay my respects." 

When their cordial greetings were over and they 
were seated side by side upon a commodious * sofa 
luxuriously upholstered in crimson silk, the Count 
said, abruptly: 

"Captain, did you ever hear of a French opera 
singer named Louise d' Armilly?" 

Again the young man colored deeply, a circum- 
stance that did not escape the close observation of 
his companion, who instantly divined that the famous 
prima donna counted for more in the reasons that 
had brought the Captain to Eome than that gallant 
warrior was willing to admit. 

"Yes," stammered Joliette, "I have heard of her, 
and report says she is a remarkably charming lady 
as well as a great artiste." 

"Your tone is enthusiastic, my dear Captain," re- 
turned Monte- Cristo, smiling pleasantly. " Perhaps you 
are acquainted with Mile, d' Armilly." 

"Well, to confess, Count," said Joliette, with a 
laugh, "I am acquainted with her, and, curiously 



*See "The Son of Monte-Cristo," complete and unabridged edition, 
published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia. 



28 MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 

enough, part of my mission here to-day was to ask 
you to occupy a box at the performance of 'Lucrezia 
Borgia' this evening. Will you accept V 

"With genuine delight," was Monte- Cristo's ready 
answer. "I desire to see this mysterious prima donna 
for more than one reason. In the first place, her 
name is dimly familiar to me, though I cannot re- 
member where I ever heard it, and, in the second 
place, she flatly refused a visit from me no later than 
this morning." 

Joliette looked greatly surprised. 

"Kefused a visit from you, Count! I would not 
believe it did I not hear it from your own lips. 
Mile, d' Armilly must be mad! She surely cannot 
know what an honor it is to receive a visit from the 
Count of Monte-Cristo ! " 

The Count smiled in his peculiar way, and handed 
the Captain Mile, d' Armilly's singular reply to his 
note. The young man glanced at it in amazement, 
reading it again and again; finally he stammered out: 

"It is her handwriting, but what can she mean?" 

"That is exactly what I would like to know, and 
I see by your manner and words that you are power- 
less to enlighten me. Still, you can tell me who this 
Mile, d' Armilly is, and that will in all probability 
furnish me with the key to her rather shabby treat- 
ment of me." 

"My dear Count, I am acquainted with the young 
lady, it is true, but, like yourself, I am in total igno- 
rance so far as her history is concerned. She is 
French, that is evident, and she has gone so far as to 



MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 29 



admit to me that Louise d' Armilly is only her pro- 
fessional name, but what her real name is she has 
more than once positively refused to disclose to me. 
She is equally reticent as to the rumors afloat regard- 
ing her. You are, doubtless, aware that she is re- 
puted to be the daughter of a French banker who 
mysteriously disappeared. This she neither denies 
nor affirms; she merely maintains an obstinate silence 
whenever it is mentioned in her presence." 

"Your recital interests me greatly, Captain," said 
Monte-Cristo. "You are more privileged than myself 
in that you enjoy the acquaintance of this eccentric 
young lady, but she does not seem to repose a great- 
er degree of confidence in you than in me, for she 
has told you absolutely nothing." 

"Well," said Joliette, "you will see her to-night, 
at any rate, despite her prohibition. She cannot keep 
you oat of the theatre, for the box is purchased and 
here are the tickets." 

"But she will be angry with you, Captain," said 
the Count, slyly, "for bringing such an undesirable 
auditor. I had better go alone and occupy some 
obscure seat. I do not wish you to forfeit Mile, d' 
Armilly's smiles for me." 

"Pshaw!" replied Joliette, "there is plainly some 
mistake. She does not know you, will not recognize 
you. She has certainly confounded you with some 
one else. 7 ' 

"Perhaps so," said Monte-Cristo; "but women's mem- 
ories are good, and I warn you that you are taking 
a grave risk." 



30 



MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 



"None whatever, I assure you. It is more than 
likely that, in answering your note as she did, Mile, 
d' Armilly was influenced solely by caprice. If she 
should ask me after the performance who was my 
companion, I have only to give you a fictitious name 
and she will be none the wiser." 

That evening Captain Joliette and the Count of 
Monte-Cristo made their way through the dense 
throng in front of the Apollo Theatre, and were 
finally shown into a lower proscenium box command- 
ing a fall view of the stage. Monte-Cristo instinc- 
tively sought refuge behind the curtains and drapery 
of the box, where he could sit unobserved and yet be 
enabled to closely scrutinize the mysterious singer 
who appeared to have such an intense aversion for 
him. 

Although still early the house was already crowded 
in every part, and throngs were unable to gain even 
admission. The vast audience was made up chiefly 
of the best and most fashionable society in Eome. 
It included many of the highest nobility, who occu- 
pied the boxes they held for the season. Everywhere 
the bright colored, elegant toilets of the ladies met 
the eye, while the gentlemen were brilliant in fete 
attire. Fresh young faces and noble old visages were 
side by side, the beauty of youth and the impressive- 
ness of age, and the male countenances were not less 
striking than those of the females. Truly, it was a 
grand assemblage, one that should delight the heart 
and flatter the vanity of even the most capricious of 
prima donnas. 



MONTE-CRISTO AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 



31 



At first there was a low hum of conversation 
throughout the theatre, together with preliminary visits 
from box to box, but the flutter began to subside 
as the musicians appeared, and by the time they 
were in their places in the orchestra absolute silence 
reigned. When the conductor made his appearance he 
was greeted with a burst of applause, which he grace- 
fully acknowledged with a profound bow. Then he 
grasped his baton, tapped lightly upon the rack in 
front of him, and the delightful overture to Donizetti's 
great work commenced. 

At its conclusion the curtain slowly rose and the 
opera began. Mile, d ' Armilly came forth in due course, 
and the house fairly rung with plaudits of welcome. 
She sang divinely and acted with consummate art, re- 
ceiving loud encores for all her numbers. Monte-Cristo 
who was passionately fond of music, caught the pre- 
vailing enthusiasm and gradually emerged from the 
shelter of the protecting curtains and drapery. He 
had scanned Mile, d' Armilly carefully through his 
opera-glass and was thoroughly convinced that she 
was a perfect stranger to him, although now and then 
a tone, a gesture or a movement of the body vaguely 
conveyed a sense of recognition of some tone, gesture 
or movement he had heard or seen somewhere before. 
The Count, however, reflected that all women possessed 
certain points of resemblance in voice and bearing; he, 
therefore, passed the present coincidences over as purely 
accidental, thinking no more of them. 

For a long while Mile, d' Armilly did not glance 
at the box occupied by Captain Joliette and the Count 



32 M0NTE-CRIST0 AND THE PRIMA DONNA. 

of Monte- Cristo,* and it was not until the former 
threw her a costlv wreath of flowers that she turned 
her eyes in that direction. She was about bowing her 
acknowledgments, when her gaze rested upon the 
stately form of the Count. Instantly she paused in 
the centre of the stage, turned deadly pale beneath the 
paint of her make-up, and, with a loud scream, fell in 
a swoon. The curtain was at once rung down, and 
the director, stating that the prima donna had been 
seized with sudden and alarming indisposition, dismiss- 
ed the audience. Captain Joliette rushed to Mile. d ? 
Armilly's dressing-room and the Count of Monte-Cristo 
wended his way back to the Palazzo Costi, utterly 
bewildered by what had taken place. 

* For a full account of the life and remarkable career of "The Count of 
Monte-Cristo," Alexander Dumas' masterpiece, one of the greatest ro- 
mances ever written, see the illustrated and unabridged edition of it, pub- 
lished by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia. 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



33 



CHAPTER II. 

A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 

ZtTLEIKA, Monte-Cristo's daughter, had been for 
some months in the convent school conducted by the 
Sisterhood of the Sacred Heart. She was not a close 
student though a rapid learner, and was rather inclined 
to romance and adventure than to musty books of history 
and science. As has already been stated, she had the 
early maturity of Greek girls. Besides, she had at- 
tracted the attention of several Roman youths of high 
and noble lineage, who had eagerly paid her the 
homage due to her beauty and oriental attractiveness. 
Though but fifteen, she appreciated and felt flattered by 
this homage, and naturally was impatient of the restraint 
put upon her by the regulations of the convent school, 
which rigorously excluded all male visitors save parents 
or guardians. 

In the first rank of her youthful admirers was the 
Viscount Giovanni Massetti. He was more ardent 
than any of the rest and, indeed, was desperately in 
love with the fair and bewitching child of the dead 
Haydee. He belonged to a family of great antiquity 
and boundless wealth, and was reputed to possess a 
vast fortune in his own right. The Viscount was only 
in his twenty-first year, but was exceedingly manly, 
dashing and gallant. He was quite handsome and was 
2 



34 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE, 



said to be the soul of honor, though his ardent temper- 
ament and headlong pursuit of whatever he most 
coveted not ^infrequently involved him in serious 
troubles, from which, thanks to his own tact and 
the vast influence of his family, he generally came 
out unscathed. 

On Zuleika's arrival in Eome and before she had 
been placed in the convent school, the Yiscount 
Masse tti had made her acquaintance in a way that 
savored of romance and that made a deep impression 
upon the inexperienced young girl. In Monte- Cristo's 
carriage, attended only by a timid femme de chambre, 
she was one day crossing one of the two bridges lead- 
ing to the Island of San Bartolomeo, when a trace 
broke and the horses took fright. The terrified driver 
lost control of them, and the mad animals dashed 
along at a fearful rate, almost overturning the carriage. 
Zuleika had arisen in the vehicle, which was an open 
barouche, and was wildly clinging to the back of the 
front seat, her face white with fear and her long black 
hair, which had become loosened, streaming out behind 
her. Her wide open eyes had in them a look of tearful 
supplication most difficult to resist. The young Vis- 
count, who was riding over the bridge on horseback at 
the time of the accident, could not resist it. He 
sprang from his horse and, as the carriage passed him, 
leaped into it. Seizing Zuleika by the waist, and hold- 
ing her tightly to him, he then made another spring, 
alighting safely with her upon the roadway of the 
bridge. The flying horses were ultimately stopped 
and the occupants of the badly shattered vehicle 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



35 



rescued from their dangerous situation. This adventure 
caused the Count of Monte-Cristo to throw open the 
doors of his palazzo to the young Italian, and he had 
been a frequent visitor there up to the time of Zulei- 
ka's departure for the convent school. 

In the interval both the Viscount and the girl had 
become much attached to each other, and then this 
mutual attachment had rapidly ripened into mutual 
love of that ardor and intensity experienced only by 
children of the southern or oriental sun. Young 
Massetti had avowed his passion to his beautiful 
charmer, and the avowal had not caused her dis- 
pleasure ; it was, on the contrary, exceedingly agreeable 
to her and she did not seek to conceal the fact from 
her enthusiastic suitor. 

The momentous interview took place in a densely 
shaded alley of the garden of the Palazzo Costi one 
sultry afternoon of the early autumn. The youthful 
couple were seated very near each other upon a rustic 
bench. Massetti held Zuleika's small, soft hand in his 
and the electric touch of her tiny and shapely fingers 
thrilled him as the touch .of female fingers had never 
thrilled him before. He gazed into the liquid depths 
of her dark, glowing eyes and their subtile fire seemed 
to melt his very soul. The close, sultry atmosphere, 
laden with heavy, intoxicating perfumes, was fraught 
with a delirious influence well calculated to set the 
blood aflame and promote the explosion of pent-up 
love. The thick, green foliage enclosed the pair as in 
a verdant cloud, effectually concealing them from ob- 
servation. The opportunity was irresistible. Gio- 



36 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



vanni drew closer to his fascinating companion, so 
closely that her fragrant breath came full in his face, 
utterly subjecting him and totally obliterating all 
caution, everything save, his absorbing passion for the 
palpitating girl whose slight, but clear-cut form, grace- 
fully-outlined beneath her flowing, half-oriental gar- 
ments, touched his. Suddenly carried away by a 
powerful transport, he threw his arm around the young 
girl's yielding waist and drew her without resistance 
■upon his bosom, where she lay, gazing up into his 
flushed, excited countenance with an indescribable, vo- 
luptuous charm, mingled with thorough confidence and 
unhesitating innocence. Panting in his clasp, her ruby 
lips partly opened as if for breath, and the ardent 
Italian hastily, recklessly imprinted a fiery kiss upon 
them. Zuleika, with an almost imperceptible move- 
ment, returned this chaste, but ravishing salute. 

"Oh! how I love you!" murmured Giovanni, 
quivering from head to foot in his wild ecstacy, and 
clasping the lovely girl still tighter. 

She made no verbal response, but did not stir, did 
not strive to extricate herself from his warm embrace 
This was a sufficient answer for the quick Italian. 
Zuleika, the beautiful Zuleika, returned his love, favored 
his suit. His joy approached delirium. 

" Oh ! Zuleika," he whispered, gazing directly into 
her night black eyes, " you love me, I am sure ! Give 
me the treasures of your virgin heart! Be mine — be 
my wife ! " 

" Oh ! Giovanni," returned the quivering girl, in a 
low, but sweetly modulated voice, "I do love you — 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



37 



God alone knows "how much ! — but I am too young to 
be your wife ! I am only a child, not yet out of 
school. My father would not hear of my marrying 
for several years to come. Can you not wait?" 

"It will be a hard task, Zuleika," answered the 
young man, excitedly; "but, still, I will wait if you 
give me a lover's hope. Promise to marry me when 
you are at liberty to do so, nay, swear it. and I shall 
be satisfied!" 

"I can neither promise nor swear it, Giovanni, 
without my father's approval and consent. He is a 
wise, experienced and thoughtful man, tender and 
mild to every one he loves, though hard and implac- 
able to his enemies. Speak to him of me, of your 
love, of your wish. He will listen to you and he will 
not imperil his daughter's happiness. Go to him 
without delay, and rest assured that whatever he 
says or does will be for the best interests of us 
both." 

She had released herself from his clasp and drawn 
slightly away from him, not in terror, not in prudery, 
not in coquetry, but as a measure of prudence. She 
felt intuitively that the wild, intense passion of her 
Italian adorer must be kept within discreet limits. 

"I cannot speak to your father yet," replied Gio- 
vanni, hesitatingly. "He might listen to me, it is 
true; but he would treat our love as a 'mere childish 
fancy that time could not fail to dim, if not obliter- 
ate. I am deeply in earnest, Zuleika, and could not 
bear to be treated as a thoughtless, headlong stripling, 
who did not know his own mind. Ridicule, even in 



38 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



its mildest form, would fire my blood, fill me with 
mad projects of revenge. I prefer not to ask your 
father for your hand until certain of a favorable 
reception of my suit. You comprehend my scru- 
ples, do you not, Zuleika? I love you too dearly not 
to win you when I ask!' 7 

"But you will speak to my father?" said the girl, 
in faltering tones. 

"Yes, darling, oh! yes; but not until that hated 
convent school has ceased to oppose its barriers 
between us. When you have left it, when you have 
completed the education the Count designs for you, I 
will seek your father and ask you of him for my 
wife; until then, until I can with safety speak, at 
least promise me that you will love no other man, 
encourage no other suitor." 

"That I will do," responded the girl, joyously. 
"Best assured I will love no other man, encourage 
no other suitor!" 

Unable to control himself, the Viscount again 
clasped the object of his adoration in his arms, and 
again their lips met in a long, passionate kiss of love. 

So it was settled, and Zuleika went to the convent 
school of the Sacred Heart, feeling that her happiness 
was assured, but impatient of and dissatisfied with the 
long delay that must necessarily intervene before the 
realization of her hopes, the dawn of her woman's 
future. 

The Yiscount Massetti, though he had professed 
himself willing to wait, was, on his side, thoroughly 
discontented with the arduous task he had under- 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



39 



taken. It was one thing to make a rash, promise in 
the heat of enthusiasm, but quite another to keep it, 
especially when that promise involved a separation 
from the lovely girl who had inextricably entwined 
herself about the fibres of his heart and was the sole 
guiding star of his life and love. 

The convent school of the Sacred Heart was 
located in the convent of that Sisterhood, about three 
miles beyond the Porta del Popolo on the northern 
side of Eome. The convent was a spacious edifice, 
but gloomy and forbidding, with the aspect of a prison. 
Narrow, barred windows, like those of a dungeon 
of the middle ages, admitted the light from without, 
furnishing a dim, restricted illumination that gave but 
little evidence of the power and brilliancy of the orb 
of day. At night the faint, sepulchral blaze of can- 
dles only served to make the darkness palpable and 
more ghastly. 

The huge school-room was as primitive and com- 
fortless in its appointments and furniture as well could 
be. The walls were of dressed stone and loomed up 
bare and grisly to a lofty ceiling that was covered 
with a perfect labyrinth of curiously carved beams, 
the work of some unknown artist of long ago. The 
scholars' dormitories were narrow cell-like affairs, 
scantily furnished, in which every light must be 
extinguished at the hour of nine in the evening. 
Once admitted to the school, the pupils were not per- 
mitted to leave its precincts save at vacation or at 
the termination of their course of studies, a circum- 
stance that heartily disgusted the gay, light-hearted 



40 



A STKANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



Italian girls sent there to receive both mental and 
moral training. Another source of grave vexation to 
them was the regulation, already alluded to, that 
rigorously excluded all male visitors, with the excep- 
tion of parents or guardians. 

Attached to the convent was an extensive garden, 
fall of huge trees that had, apparently, stood there for 
centuries, so bent, gnarled and aged were they. An 
ancient gardener, with a flowing beard as white as 
snow and scanty locks of the same' spotless hue, aided 
by two or three assistants almost as ancient as him- 
self, attended to the lawns and vast flower-beds, the 
latter being kept constantly filled with plants of gor- 
geous bloom and exquisite fragrance. The picturesque 
appearance of the garden contrasted strongly and 
strangely with the rigid and staid aspect of the con- 
vent edifice, and this garden was the one spot where 
the pupils felt at home and thoroughly enjoyed them- 
selves. They were allowed to walk there at noon and 
towards twilight in the evening, under the supervision 
of Sister Agatha, a sharp-sighted and vigilant nun, 
who never failed to rebuke and correct her vivacious 
charges for even the slightest infraction of discipline. 
Still, the girls enjoyed themselves in the garden, for 
its extent and the fact that Sister Agatha could not 
be everywhere at once enabled the frisky and light- 
hearted pupils to indulge in many an escapade. 

One noon Zuleika, who was in an unusually de- 
spondent frame of mind, strayed from the rest of her 
companions and strolled beneath the centenarian trees. 
Unconsciously she approached the lofty wall of the 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



41 



garden. She seated herself at the foot of a gnarled 
old elm, the leafy branches of which descended to the 
ground and effectually screened Monte-Cristo's daughter 
from view. At least, so she thought, but though she 
could not be seen by any within the garden enclosure 
she was plainly visible from the wall and the trees 
looming above it without. 

As Zuleika sat pondering on her lot and sadly 
thinking of her separation from her lover, she heard 
or imagined she heard a singular noise amid the 
thick boughs of an immense chestnut tree immedi- 
ately outside the garden wall. She started up in 
affright, but could discern nothing unusual, and the 
singular noise was not repeated. The strangest part 
of the whole affair, however, was that the noise had 
sounded like her own name uttered by a human 
voice. This increased her terror and confusion, and 
she was about to flee from the spot when an oblong 
pebble to which something white was attached flut- 
tered over the wall and fell at her feet. She was 
now more alarmed then ever and took several steps 
backward, the while regarding the white object that 
lay where it had fallen, motionless and fascinating. 

Finally her curiosity obtained the mastery, and, 
approaching the suspicious object with the utmost 
caution, she bent over to examine it. It was an or- 
dinary envelope and, no doubt, contained a letter. 
For whom was it intended? Obviously for one of 
the pupils. It was a clandestine epistle, too, other- 
wise it would have come by the regular channel 
through the post office. Perhaps it was a love letter 



42 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



At this thought she gave a guilty start and gazed 
piercingly into the chestnut tree, but nothing was 
visible there save boughs and leaves. After all, the 
epistle was, doubtless, destined for some swarthy- 
visaged Italian beauty, and many such were in the 
convent school. That it had fallen at her feet was 
certainly but a mere coincidence. It was not, it could 
not be intended for her! Its rightful owner, who 
had clearly received many similar notes in the same 
way, knew where it was and presently would come 
for it. The envelope had fallen face downward, and 
she could not see the address. She touched it with 
her foot, then cautiously turned it with the tip of her 
shoe. She saw writing. It was the address. Some- 
how the arrangement of the characters seemed familiar 
to her, though she was so dazed and confused she 
could not make out the name. Her curiosity was un- 
worthy of her, she knew, unworthy of Monte- Cristo's 

•daughter. What right had she to pry into the heart 
secret of one of her school companions? Still she 
gazed; she could not help it. Suddenly she stooped 
and took the envelope from the ground. The address 
riveted her eyes like a magician's spell. Great heav- 
ens! it was her own name — Zuleika! 

Hurriedly snapping the slight string that bound the 
envelope to the stone, she thrust the former into the 
bosom of her dress. Then she glanced around her, 

. half-fearing she had been seen by some of the pupils 
or the watchful Sister Agatha. But no, she was un- 
observed, and even now her companions and the nun 
were at such a distance that she could read her, 



A STRANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



43 



letter without the slightest danger of being discovered 
or interrupted. The temptation was strong. She 
yielded to it. She would read the letter. She felt 
convinced that it was from the Viscount Massetti, 
and the conviction filled her with unutterable joy. 
She had not heard a word concerning him since she 
had been immured within the sombre walls of that 
dismal convent, and now she had tidings of him in 
his own handwriting! It was rapture! What had 
he written to her? An assurance of his love, no 
doubt, and, perhaps, an exhortation to her to keep 
her part of their agreement — to love no other man, to 
encourage no other suitor! Surely she loved no one 
else — she never could love any one but Giovanni 
Massetti, for did he not possess her whole heart, all 
the wealth of her ardent youthful affection? 

She kissed the envelope, then opened it, took out 
the letter, which was written in pencil, and read: 

Dearest Zuleika : I can keep from you no longer. 
I must see you once more and again call you my 
own. I strove to attract your attention just now in 
the chestnut tree outside the wall. I uttered your 
beloved name, but you did not seem to understand 
me. This evening at twilight I will scale the wall. 
At that time be at the elm where you now stand 
and I will meet you there. Do not fail me, and, • 
above all, do not be afraid. I assure you that no harm 
can possibly befall either of us. Meet me, darling. 

Your own, 

Giovanni*. 



44 



A STKANGELY SENT EPISTLE. 



Zuleika stood staring at this passionate note with 
sensations made up of amazement, rapture and dis- 
may. Giovanni, her lover, was coming. He would 
stand there, on that very spot, and she would see 
him in all the glory of his youthful manhood, with 
the radiant love-light in his eyes. But how if he 
were discovered? What then would become of him 
and of her? She shuddered at the possibilities of 
danger. But on one point she was resolved — she 
would meet him let the danger be what it might. 
How Giovanni would manage to avoid observation 
she did not know, but she would trust to his judg- 
ment and discretion. 

She glanced in the direction of the pupils and 
Sister Agatha. They were coming slowly towards 
her. Again secreting her lover's epistle in her 
bosom, she went to meet them. 



THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 45 



CHAPTER III. 

THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 

AS the "hour for the evening promenade drew 
near, Zuleika became painfully excited and 
uneasy. She longed with all her heart to see Gio- 
vanni Massetti again, to hear the ardent words of 
love he would be sure to utter, but would she be 
doing right to meet him clandestinely and alone? 
Her mind misgave her. Of course she could trust 
her young Italian lover, for he was the very soul of 
chivalry and honor. But did others know this? 
How would her conduct be judged should the other 
pupils and Sister Agatha steal upon them unawares? 
Giovanni might escape without recognition, but with 
her it would be altogether different. She could escape 
only by coining an ingenious lie, and at that her 
whole nature revolted. She could not stoop to an inno- 
cent deception, much less to an absolute falsehood. 
Why had Giovanni tempted her? Why had he sought 
to place her in a situation he must know would be 
perilous? There was but one answer— because of his 
love — and that answer was sufficient to induce her 
to take the risk, however great it might be. Yes, 
she would meet him at the appointed time and spot. 

At length the bell rang for the promenade, and 
Sister Agatha headed the little procession for the gar- 



46 THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 



den. For a brief space Zuleika lingered with, her 
companions among the shady walks and gorgeous 
flowers, but at the first opportunity stole away and 
sought the leafy elm, beneath the friendly boughs of 
which she was to receive the welcome yet dreaded 
visit from the Viscount Massetti. She gained the 
rendezvous unobserved, with loudly be t ating heart. 
The young Italian was not there. She searched 
•eagerly but vainly for him in the gathering twilight. 
What had happened to prevent his coming? She 
was on thorns of anxiety. Perhaps he had attempted 
to scale the wall and had fallen, sustaining some se- 
vere injury! Perhaps even then, while she was wait- 
ing for him, he was lying outside the wall, bruised 
and bleeding! But what could she do? Only wait, 
wait, with torturing thoughts seething in her troubled 
brain. 

She listened intently. Not a sound. If Giovanni 
were wounded, disabled, he was maintaining a most 
heroic silence. She drew a magnificent gold watch, 
the exquisite case of which was thickly incrusted 
with diamonds, from her belt and glanced at the dial. 
It was after seven o'clock, and by eight all the sckol-^ 
ars were required to be safely housed within the con- 
vent. Besides, she was not sure that she would not 
be missed, searched for and found. What should she 
do, what course should she take? 

As she was debating within herself, uncertain 
whether to remain or return, there was a rustle amid 
the foliage of the chestnut tree immediately outside 
the garden enclosure, and a man's form swung from 



THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 



47 



one of the branches to the top of the wall. Zuleika's 
emotion well-nigh overcame her. She had recognized 
Giovanni. In another instant he had leaped from the 
wall to the ground and was at her side. He stretched 
out his arms to her and the girl, all of a tremble, 
impetuously cast herself into them. 

"Oh! Giovanni!" she murmured. "At last. I feared 
some terrible accident had befallen you." 

"I am safe, darling Zuleika," answered the young 
Italian, folding her in a close embrace and showering 
ardent kisses upon her forehead and lips. "But you, 
dearest, you are well? You have not forgotten me, 
have not ceased to love me?" 

"Forgotten you, ceased to love you, Giovanni!" 
whispered the quivering girl, in a tone of slight re- 
proach, gazing fondly into his eyes. "Have I not 
given you my solemn promise to love you only?" 

"Forgive me, my own!" cried the youthful Vis- 
count. "What is a lover without fears and doubts? 
They are the proof of the strength of his adoration!" 

They seated themselves at the foot of the branch- 
ing elm, the friendly shelter of which shut them in. 
Then Zuleika said, with apprehension in her voice: 

"Why did you come here, Giovanni? Are you 
not aware that you are running a great risk and put- 
ting me in peril? If we are found together, you will 
be ignominiously expelled and I severely punished. 
Besides, think of the disgrace for us both in such an 
event! The matter will get abroad, furnish food for 
gossip and certainly reach the ears of my father and 
brother, whose displeasure I dread more than all else! 



48 THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 

Think, too, that Esperance will call you to account 
for your conduct, and I could never bear a quarrel 
between you and him in which, perhaps, blood might 
be shed!" 

"Never fear, Zuleika," reolied Massetti, gallantly. 
"Should we be discovered I will shield you. As to 
your father and brother, they cannot be displeased, 
for I will explain all to them and end by demanding 
you in marriage. Why have I come here? Simply 
because I could hold aloof from you no longer. I 
felt that f must see you, speak with you, renew my 
vows of love. Oh! Zuleika, the world is all dark to 
me without your smile!" 

"But you promised me to wait!" 

"I know it; but I miscalculated my strength when 
I made that promise. Could I see you I might be 
patient; but to wait for weeks and weeks without 
even a glimpse of your dear face, without once hear- 
ing the sound of your beloved voice, is utterly beyond 
me. I cannot do it!" 

"You must. Nothing else can be done. My father 
wishes me to remain at the convent school for a 
year, and the rules positively prohibit your visits. 
Be patient yet awhile, Giovanni. We both are very 
young and have a life of happiness to look forward 
to. Besides, we can see each other at the Palazzo 
Costi during vacation, and that is something." 

"It is nothing to a man who wishes to see you 
constantly, to be always with you. Oh! Zuleika, I 
cannot bear our separation, I cannot do without 
you!" 



THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 49 

The young man had risen to his feet and uttered 
these words loudly, recklessly. Zuleika sprang up 
and caught him by the arm, her face white with 
terror. 

"Control yourself, Giovanni, control yourself!" she 
whispered, in a frightened tone. "Speak lower, with 
more caution, or other ears than mine will hear you!" 

But the Viscount did not heed her. He was fear- 
fully agitated and his entire frame shook with excite- 
ment and emotion. 

"Fly with me, Zuleika, fly with me now, this very 
moment, and be my wife!" he exclaimed, in a voice 
so strangely altered that Monte- Cristo's daughter 
scarcely recognized it. "I am rich, and my family 
has wealth and power sufficient to protect us against 
everything and everybody, even your father, with all 
his untold gold and influence! The Count of Monte- 
Cristo seeks to part us ; that is the reason he has 
sent you here, to this convent, where you are little 
less than a prisoner!" 

He caught her wildly in his arms and held her 
against his breast as if defying fate. Zuleika, more 
terrified than ever, struggled in his embrace and final- 
ly released herself. She faced Giovanni, and said, 
warmly: 

"You do my father injustice. He does not seek to 
part us. He esteems you greatly, Viscount Massetti, 
loves you for the service you rendered me, his daugh- 
ter, and will reward that service with the highest 
recompense in his power to bestow — my hand. But 
he considers me a child as yet, wishes me to have 
3 



50 THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 



education and experience before I marry, that I may 
be a wife worth having and not a mere useless doll. 
Respect his wishes, Giovanni, respect him. He is a 
good, kind-hearted man, and will do right. His wis- 
dom has been shown too often for me to doubt it!" 

"His wisdom!" cried Massetti, bitterly. "Yes, he is 
wise, too wise to bestow your hand upon me, a mere 
Viscount! What is my family in his eyes? Nothing. 
What is my wealth? An utter trifle compared to 
his. I tell you, Zuleika, he does not wish us to 
marry. He designs you for some high potentate 
with riches to match the princely marriage-portion 
you will have!" 

"No, no!" cried the girl. "You are despondent, 
and in your despondency misjudge him. He cares 
nothing for wealth or exalted station, but values a 
good name and an unstained reputation above all 
else." 

"But will you not be mine, will you not fly with 
me from this wretched prison, in which I can see you 
only by stealth and like a criminal?" 

The Italian's eyes sparkled in the twilight and his 
voice was full of eloquent persuasion. He fell upon 
his knees at Zuleika's feet, and, seizing her hand, 
kissed it passionately again and again. The trem- 
bling young girl was deeply touched by his love and 
entreaties. For a moment she wavered, but for a 
moment only; then reason asserted its sway and 
cooler reflection came to her aid. 

"Eise, Giovanni," she said, with comparative calm- 
ness, "rise and be a man. This proposition is alto- 



THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 



51 



gether unworthy of you, and, should I accept it, we 
would both be disgraced. I am yours, my heart is in 
your keeping, and I will be your wife at the proper 
time with my father's full consent. But I cannot fly 
with you 7 I will not!" 

The young man sprang to his feet as if an electric 
bat had struck him. 

"You have* no confidence in me, then!" he cried, 
impulsively. a You do not love, me!" 

"Do not love you!" exclaimed the girl, winding 
her shapely arms about his neck, as her lovely head 
sank upon his bosom. "I love yon with all my 
heart, with all my soul, and it is because I love you 
that I will not fly with you!" 

Giovanni kissed her hair rapturously, excitedly, and 
the beautiful girl, looking ten times more beautiful in 
her pleading earnestness, added, sweetly, persuasively: 

"Leave me now, darling. The bell for the pupils 
to return to the convent will soon ring and I must 
not be missed from among them. Leave me, but re- 
member the maxim, 'Wait and hope!' " 

The lover was about to reply when the sound of 
footsteps suddenly broke upon their ears. They 
glanced at each other, startled, uncertain what to do. 
Giovanni was the first to recover self-possession. 
He noiselessly parted the boughs of the elm and 
peered cautiously in the direction of the sound. 

"Three men are rapidly approaching," he said, 
hastily, in a whisper. "They are almost here!" 

Zuleika looked, in her turn, through the branches. 

"The gardener and his assistants," she whispered, 



52 THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 



neariy pertrified by consternation. "They have evi- 
dently learned that you scaled the wall and are in 
quest of you!" 

"See," said Giovanni, breathlessly,, pointing to a 
group behind the men. "A number of nuns are 
also coming!" 

"They are searching for me! Oh! Giovanni, fly, 
fly instantly!" 

"And leave you to suffer, to bear the weight of 
my imprudence! Never! I will stay and protect you! " 

"You will not protect me by' remaining. You •will 
only compromise us both the more. Go, I beseech 
you, go, while there is yet time!" 

With tears in her imploring eyes, Zuleika. pushed 
her lover gently towards the wall. He gazed at her 
for an instant and then at the approaching men and 
nuns, who were now very near. 

The girl clasped her h^ands supplicatingly, then 
mutely pointed to the wall. 

"It is your wish?" asked Massetti, hurriedly. 

Zuleika nodded her head affirmatively, and still 
more imperatively pointed to the w^all. 

" I will obey you," whispered the young Italian, " and 
I will 'wait and hope!' " 

She had gained the victory. A joyous love-light 
came into her eyes, for the moment eclipsing her ter- 
ror. Giovanni could not resist the temptation to em- 
brace her, even in the face of the danger that threatened 
him. He wound his arms about her yielding form, 
drew her to him with a crushing strain, showering 
burning kisses upon her upturned lips. 



THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 53 



"Farewell," lie murmured, reluctantly releasing her, 
"farewell, my own!" 

He turned from her and ran to the wall, scaled it 
with the agility of a cat and vanished. 

When the gardener and his assistants reached the 
elm, they found Zuleika standing there alone. Had they 
seen Massetti scale the wall? Had they recognized 
him? These thoughts shot through the girl's agitated 
mind. She gave no attention to her own peril. 

The men came to a halt and stood silently by, wait- 
ing -for the nuns to arrive. Horror was pictured on 
their aged countenances, and they stared at Monte-- 
Cristo's daughter as if she had committed some hein- 
ous, unpardonable crime. 

The group of nuns speedily arrived, headed by 
Sister Agatha, who held an open letter in her hand. 
Zuleika gazed at this letter in silent dismay. It was 
hers, the one Giovanni had written her! How had it 
got into Sister Agatha's possession? She mechanically 
felt in her bosom where she had secreted it, as she 
thought, safely. Her hand touched only the empty 
envelope. The note must have fallen upon the floor 
of the school-room and been found by some malicious 
pupil, who, after reading it and discovering its com- 
promising contents, had surrendered it to the nun, thus 
divulging the weighty secret. 

Zuleika stood abashed and terror-stricken. No 
chance of escape now. No chance for deception had 
she wished to essay it. The letter told the whole story, 
and the proof of its truth was furnished, for was she 
not at the appointed rendezvous, and was it not probable 



54 THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 



that the men and the nuns had seen Giovanni quit 
her and scale the garden wall? 

The nuns looked as horrified as the old servants^ 
but they were more to be dreaded ; they possessed the 
power of reprimanding and punishing, and what pun- 
ishment would they think too severe in this extreme 
case? Sister Agatha spoke. Her tone was milder 
than Zuleika had expected. 

"Oh! mademoiselle," she said, reproachfully, "what 
is this ? A meeting with a lover, and within these holy 
precincts dedicated to celibacy, chastity and sacred 
things ! What will your father, the Count of Monte- 
Cristo, say when your conduct is reported to him ? 
You are young, and allowance must be made for 
youthful blood and passionate impulses; but still you 
have done wrong, very wrong ! Is this man, who 
signs himself Giovanni and who just left you, your 
betrothed ? " 

" He is," murmured Zuleika, blushing and holding 
down her head. 

"With your father's permission, mademoiselle?" 

"My father does not object to him," replied the girl 
evasively. 

" In that case your fault is not so great as I at 
first supposed," said the nun. " You are pardonable 
for receiving the man, who, with your father's consent, 
is in time to become your husband ; but, nevertheless, " 
in meeting him. within the convent grounds you are 
censurable for lack of discipline, and also for con- 
niving at a breach of our rule which excludes all male 
visitors, save parents or guardians." 



THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 55 

Zuleika bowed her head in submission. 

" The punishment/ 7 continued Sister Agatha, "shall 
be as light as possible, however, if you have never 
before met this man within the convent grounds." 

" I have never met him here before," said Zuleika, 
" and I only met him in this instance because — be- 
cause — " 

She hesitated and burst into tears. 
"Because what, my poor child?" asked the nun, 
kindly. 

" Because I love him so, and because I was afraid, 
if I did not meet him, in his desperation he would 
seek me out in face of you all!" 

"Have you ever written to him since you have 
been in this school?" 

" Never!" 

" Has he ever written to you before ? " 

"You hold his first letter to me in your hand!" 

" How was this letter delivered, by what means did 
it reach you ?" 

Her face one mass of crimson, trembling from head 
to foot, Zuleika told the whole story of her adventure 
at noon that day. How she had strayed from her 
companions without any definite intention; how she 
had seated herself within the screening branches of 
the elm to meditate; how she had heard the singular 
noise in the chestnut tree, and, finally, how the letter/ 
fastened to a stone, had come flattering over the wall 
and fallen at her feet. 

The nuns glanced at each other, horrified and amazed 
at the audacity of the young Italian. 



56 THE INTRUDER IN THE CONVENT GARDEN. 

" Zuleika," said Sister Agatha, " I told yon your 
punishment should be as light as possible. You have 
been exposed and reprimanded ; the blush of shame has 
been brought to your cheek ! This, I think, is penalty 
sufficient for a first offense, considering also that it 
was, in a measure, forced upon you. But beware of a 
second infraction of our rules ! Now, return to your 
companions." 

So it happened that Zuleika suffered but slightly 
for the imprudence and headlong devotion of her 
lover. Fearing gossip, the Sisterhood of the Sacred 
Heart suppressed the matter, and the Count of Monte- 
Cristo never heard of it. Zuleika expected ridicule 
from her companions, but the warm-blooded, romantic 
Italian girls, instead of ridiculing her, looked upon her 
as a heroine and envied her the possession of a lover 
daring and devoted enough to scale the wall of a 
convent garden. 



A STOKMY INTERVIEW. 



57 



CHAPTER IV. 

A STORMY INTERVIEW. 

WHEN Captain Joliette entered the dressing-room 
of Mile, d' Armilly, after quitting the Count 
of Monte- Cristo at the Apollo Theatre on the sudden 
termination of the performance of " Lucrezia Borgia," he 
found the prima donna lying upon a sofa and slowly 
recovering from the effects of her swoon. Her maid 
and the ladies of the company, the latter still in their 
stage attire, were* giving her every attention. It was 
a strange and somewhat grotesque scene — a real drama 
with theatrical surroundings. The blazing lights, en- 
closed by their wire spheres, threw a ruddy glare 
upon the faces of those present, making them appear 
weird and witch-like in their paint and powder. On 
chairs and tables lay •Mile, d' Armilly's changes of 
dress for the performance and her street garments, 
while upon a broad shelf in front of a mirror were 
the various mysterious articles used in her make-up — 
rouge, grease-paint, poudm de riz, etc., together with 
brushes and numerous camel's hair pencils. A basin 
filled with water stood on a wash stand, and on the 
floor was the pitcher, in company with a heterogeneous 
collection of stage and street boots belonging to the 
eminent songstress. The director of the theatre was 
standing anxiously beside the suffering prima donna, 



58 



A STORMY INTERVIEW. 



mentally calculating the chances of her ability to ap- 
pear the following night. Leon d' Armilly was walk- 
ing back and forth in the small apartment, wringing 
his hands and shedding tears like a woman, while at 
the open door lounged the tenor and baritone of the 
troupe, their countenances wearing the usual listless 
expression of veteran opera singers who, from long- 
habit, are thoroughly accustomed to the indispositions 
and caprices of prima donnas and consider them as 
incidental to the profession. 

As Captain Joliette came in, Leon ran to him and 
exclaimed amid his tears: 

" Oh ! how could you bring that odious man to your 
box ! See how the very sight of him has affected my 
poor sister!" 

At these words Mile, d' Armilly roused herself and, 
springing to her feet, faced the young soldier in a fit 
of uncontrollable rage. 

" How dare you," she cried, her eyes flashing and 
her voice tremulous with anger, " come here, to me, 
after what has occurred to-night I " 

" I was not aware, Louise," answered he, apologeti- 
cally, " that you had such a terrible aversion to the 
Count of Monte-Cristo." 

" The Count of Monte-Cristo ! " exclaimed the director. 
"Was he in the house this evening? What an honor!" 

The irate prima donna flashed upon him a terrible 
glance. 

"If you consider it an honor to have that monster 
in your theatre, " she fairly hissed, " I will sing for you 
no more !" 



A STORMY INTERVIEW. 



59 



The humiliated director walked away without mak- 
ing a reply. He deemed it the part of wisdom not to 
embroil himself with an eminent artiste who was 
capable of bringing him in so much money, and who 
also was capable, he thought, of breaking her engage- 
ment if she saw fit to do so. He, therefore, left 
the dressing-room. The others, seeing that Mile, d' 
Armilly was evidently about to have a hot dispute 
with her admirer and that she was sufficiently restored 
to need no further care, also quitted the apartment. 

When they were alone, the prima donna turned 
fiercely upon the Captain, exclaiming: 

"And you profess to love me, too! Was it love 
that induced you to bring my worst enemy here 
to-night? It was hatred rather! Captain Joliette, you 
hate me!" 

"You know I do not, Louise," said the young 
soldier, warmly. " You know I love you to desperation ! " 

"Why then was the so-called Count of Monte- 
Cristo in your box?" 

"I was not aware that you knew him; indeed, I 
felt convinced that he was a total stranger to you, 
and his conduct to-night tended to confirm that con- 
viction. He looked at you without the slightest sign 
of recognition ; and so far from being your enemy 
is he that he gave you louder and more enthusiastic 
applause than any other man in the entire theatre." 

"It is his art, Captain Joliette! I tell you that 
man is as cunning as a serpent and as remorseless 
as a tiger. Only this morning he sought to gain 
access to me, with what iniquitous motive I know 



60 



A STOEMY INTERVIEW. 



not ; but I returned liis letter, with an answer that 
must have galled his pride to the quick ! " 

"I saw that answer/' said the Captain. "Monte- 
Gristo showed it to me himself at his residence, the 
Palazzo Costi." 

"What!" cried Mile, d' Armilly, with augmented 
anger. " You saw it, read my very words, and yet 
brought him to your box?" 

"Listen, Louise, and be reasonable. He told me that 
your name seemed familiar to him and yet he could 
not recall where or under what circumstances he had 
heard it. He was astonished at the tone of your reply 
to his formal and, I must say, very civil note. I was 
sure there must be some mistake on your part, that 
you had confounded him with some other person. I 
had gone to the Palazzo Costi expressly to invite him 
to hear you sing, to have such a great man present 
and assist at your triumph ! I felt proud of you, 
Louise, proud of you as an artiste and as a woman, 
and I wanted my friend of friends to share my exalted 
appreciation of you. Such were the reasons that in- 
duced me to bring him to my box to-night, and, surely, 
if I committed an error, I deserve pardon for my 
motives !" 

"I will never pardon you, be your motives what 
they may !" cried Mile, d' Armilly, vindictively. "His 
presence ruined the performance and disgraced me, 
me, Louise d' Armilly, in the eyes of all Eome ! " 

The Captain stood speechless, appalled by her fury. 
"White with rage, her eyes flashing and her bosom 
heaving, she looked like some beautiful demon. 



A STORMY INTERVIEW. 



61 



"I would have triumphed as usual had he not 
been here/ 7 she continued, furiously and bitterly, "and 
to-morrow the Eternal City would have been at my 
feet, I would have been an acknowledged queen, nay, 
even greater than any sovereign alive, but now I 
have failed and am nothing! Captain Joliette, for all 
this you are to blame, and yet you think you deserve 
pardon for your motives! Why, man, you are worse 
than an idiot! No, I will never pardon you, never!" 

She strode about the dressing-room as she spoke, 
her small, white hands working as if ready to tear 
the young soldier to pieces. Joliette watched her for 
an instant and then said: 

"You are a singular creature, Louise, a problem 
that I must admit I cannot solve. What is the 
Count of Monte-Cristo to you that you swoon at the 
mere sight of him? You certainly could not have 
been in any way associated with his past life, have 
suffered from the signal vengeance he took upon his 
enemies years ago!" 

Mile, d' Armilly paused suddenly in her excited 
walk, and, seizing the Captain by the arm with so 
strong a clutch that a thrill of pain shot through 
him, cried, menacingly: 

"If you dare to mention Monte-Cristo's fiendish 
vengeance to me again, I will banish you forever 
from my presence ! " 

At that moment one of the officials of the theatre 
appeared at the dressing-room door. 

"A note for mademoiselle," said he, "bowing pro- 
foundly. 



* 



62 A STORMY INTERVIEW. 

The prima donna took the missive from the man 
and glanced at the address upon the envelope. As 
she did so, she knitted her brows and cried out: 

"His handwriting! Another insult! I will not 
read it!" 

The official withdrew in confusion. 

"Whose handwriting?" asked Joliette, his curiosity 
and jealousy simultaneously excited. Mile, d' Armilly 
had frequently referred to her numerous admirers and 
the letters she received from them, and the Captain 
naturally jumped to the conclusion that this note had 
been sent by some ardent Eoman suitor. He consid- 
ered the artiste's exclamation and assumption of dis- 
pleasure as mere artful tricks designed to deceive 
him. 

"Whose handwriting?" repeated Mile, d' Armilly; 
scornfully. "Must I explain everything to you?" 

The young man had borne all his companion in 
her anger had heaped upon him with comparative 
equanimity, but he could not bear the idea of a rival, 
the very thought was torture. 

"Louise," he pleaded, "let me see that letter, let me 
read it." 

"What! Must you needs examine my private cor- 
respondence ! Captain Joliette, you are going too far ! 
You have done enough to-night, without adding 
insult to injury! " 

"I did not seek to injure you, Louise, God knows! 
Neither do I wish to insult you; but that letter 
I must and will read!" 

"You talk as if I were already your wife and 



A STORMY INTERVIEW. 



63 



slave. Adopt another and less authoritative tone, 
monsieur. Captain Joliette, you are not yet my 
husband ! " 

" Would that I were and were sure of your love, 
Louise! The continual uncertainty in which you keep 
me is insupportable! You refuse to let me read that 
letter?" 

The young man, in his turn, began to pace the 
dressing-room excitedly, his jealous suspicions growing 
stronger and stronger. 

Mile, d' Armilly gazed at him triumphantly. She 
was proud of the vast influence she exercised over 
this brave and manly warrior. He would stand un- 
moved before the cannon's mouth, but she could make 
him quail and tremble! 

"You refuse to let me read that letter?'' he 
repeated. 

"What if I do not refuse?" said she, in a softer 
tone. 

"You will make me a very happy man!" 

"Then read it, for I will not! Thus I show my 
contempt for its miserable and cowardly author!" 

She crumpled the note in her hand and cast it on 
the floor. Then she placed her foot upon it. 

Joliette stooped and took it from beneath her boot. 
He straightened out the envelope, opened it, removed 
the missive and read as follows: 

"The Count of Monte-Cristo presents his respects 
to Mile, d' Armilly, and begs leave to express his 
deep regret that his presence in Captain Joliette's box 
was the cause of such a grave catastrophe. He is 



64 



A STORMY INTERVIEW. 



utterly at a loss to realize why Mile, d' Armilly 
should entertain so profound an aversion for him, and 
why the sight of him should so seriously affect her. 
If Mile, d' Armilly would condescend to explain, he 
would regard it as a special favor. He trusts that 
Captain Joliette will in nowise be blamed for what 
lias occurred, as that gentleman, when he invited the 
Count to share his box, was as thoroughly convinced 
as the Count himself that Mile, d ' Armilly did not 
know and would not recognize him." 

As Joliette read the last lines that so completely 
cleared him, he could not suppress an exclamation of 

"Louise," he cried, "the Count of Monte-Cristo has 
written to exculpate me!" 

"Indeed!" replied the prima donna, contemptuously. 

" Yes ; he also apologizes to you and asks you to 
explain why the sight of him so seriously affects 
you." 

"He asks an explanation, does he?" cried Mile, d' 
Armilly, her anger resuming sway. " He shall never 
have one!" 

"But you will pardon me, as you see I am alto- 
gether blameless?" 

"I will hold .your pardon under advisement, Cap- 
tain. My action towards you will be greatly influ- 
enced by your future conduct in regard to the wretch 
who calls himself Monte-Cristo!" 

"You surely do not wish me to cast him off', to 
shun him?" 

"Do you prefer him to me?" 



A STORMY INTERVIEW. 



65 



"I love you, Louise, love you better than anything 
or anybody else in the whole world! But- I greatly 
esteem the Count of Monte-Cristo. There are ties 
between us that you do not understand." 

U I do not care to understand them. I have told 
you that this man is my enemy. That should be 
sufficient for you. My lover and my enemy cannot 
be friends. Choose between us!" 

"Would you have me quarrel with him?" 

"Quarrel with him? Yes; and not only that! I 
would have you fight him, kill him!" 

The young man stood aghast. He was totally un- 
prepared for this explosion, this savage, vindictive 
demand. 

"Fight him, kill him, Louise! You cannot, you do 
not mean what you say!" 

"Am I in the habit of using idle words?" 

"Louise, Louise,* I entreat you, do not impose such 
horrible conditions upon me!" 

"Are you afraid of Monte-Cristo?" 

"I am afraid of no man living, Louise; but I can- 
not challenge Monte-Cristo to a duel. even for you!" 

"Then you refuse to protect, to champion me?" 

"Oh! Louise, how can you speak thus! I would 
gladly shed every drop of blood in my veins for you, 
gladly lay down my life for you, but do not ask me 
to lift a hand against the Count of Monte-Cristo!" 

The beautiful woman looked at the energetic 
speaker haughtily and discontentedly. She was not a 
little disappointed. She had thought her influence 
over her suitor unbounded, but now it appeared that 
4 



66 



A STORMY INTERVIEW. 



it had its limits. She, however, did not despair. 
Well knowing the wonderful fascination she possessed 
for men, she determined to bring all its batteries to 
bear upon Captain Joliette. She was bent on wreak- 
ing a terrible vengeance upon the Count of Monte- 
Cristo for some mysterious injury he had inflicted on 
her in the past, an injury in regard to which she re- 
fused to be communicative even to her accepted lover, 
and was resolved that Joliette should give the highest 
proof of his devotion to her by becoming the instru- 
ment of that vengeance. 

"With the shrewdness of an experienced woman of 
the world, she readily saw that a special effort would 
be required on her part to bend the gallant soldier 
to her will and compel him to execute her inexorable 
purpose. She would make that special effort and, in 
making it, would render herself so captivating, so en- 
ticing, so desirable that Joliette could not fail to be 
intoxicated with her charms and fascinations. Then 
under the mad sway of his blind passion, excited to 
the utmost, he would be ready to do anything 
for her, anything, even to the commission of a crime, 
even to shedding the blood of his dearest friend! 

At this juncture Mile, d' Armilly, turning from the 
Captain as if in high displeasure, for it was an im- 
portant part of her plan to assume a certain degree 
of coldness towards him at first, touched a bell and 
immediately her brother Leon and her maid appeared. 

"Franchette," she said, addressing the latter, "assist 
me with my street toilet. I have sufficiently recov- 
ered to return to the Hotel de France." 



A STORMY INTERVIEW. 



67 



Unmindful of the presence of the Captain and L6on, 
the designing prima donna at once began to remove 
the costume she had worn during the opera. The 
maid aided her in this operation with the outward 
impassibility of theatrical servants, though she imper- 
ceptibly smiled as she realized that this display of 
her mistress' personal charms was made solely for the 
purpose of rendering the young soldier still more the 
slave of that artful siren. 

As Mile, d' Armilly stood in her corset and cling- 
ing skirts of spotless white that delicately outlined 
her faultless shape, her fine throat, shoulders and 
arms displaying their glowing brilliancy, Captain 
Joliette gazed at her like one entranced. Never in 
all his life, he thought, had he looked upon a 
woman so thoroughly beautiful, so goddess-like. She 
was as perfect as a painting of Venus, and a thous- 
and times more lovely for being alive. He held his 
breath as he saw her bosom palpitate and felt that 
he would give all he possessed in the world to call 
her his own, to be with her forever. 

Leon seemed somewhat abashed by his sister's pro- 
ceeding and blushed like a girl, the crimson tide giv- 
ing his countenance a beauty altogether feminine. 

The toilet operation completed, Mile, d' Armilly 
surveyed herself triumphantly in the mirror. She 
was well aware that she had riveted her chains very 
tightly upon her lover, but, for all that, she could 
tell only by actual experiment if he were sufficiently 
under her dominion to accede to her wishes concern- 
ing the Count of Monte-Cristo. Hence she deter- 



68 



A STORMY INTERVIEW. 



mined to make that experiment without delay, ere 
cool reflection had come to the dazzled warrior's aid 
and enabled him to realize that a trap had been laid 
for him. 

Quitting the mirror, she went to Captain Joliette's 
side and, placing her hand on his arm, as she threw 
into his eyes all the magnetism of her glance, said, 
in a dulcet tone: 

"Will you accompany me to the hotel, Captain?" 

The young man joyously assented, and soon an 
elegant equipage was bearing him swiftly towards the 
prima donna's apartments. 



ANNUNZIATA SOLAR A. 



69 



CHAPTEE V. 

ANNUNZIATA SOLARA. 

IT was a bright, warm afternoon in spring, and the 
Piazza del Popolo, Kome's great promenade, was 
crowded with gay pleasure-seekers of both sexes, while 
the Corso and the two other principal thoroughfares 
diverging from this extensive public square were also 
thronged with young and old. The trees were covered 
with fresh green foliage, and multitudes of blooming 
flowers adorned the Piazza and the windows of the 
adjacent palaces and humble dwellings. Sounds of joy 
and mirth were heard on every side, while now and 
then strains of soft music were audible. It was truly 
a most inspiring scene of light and life. Flirtations 
were frequent between beautiful dark-visaged girls, 
with hair and eyes like night, in their picturesque at- 
tire, and manly-looking youthful gallants, while here 
and there sullen and sombre glances spoke of jealousy 
as fierce as fire, hinting of marital vengeance and love 
tragedies characteristic of the hot-blooded, impetuous 
Italians. 

In the midst of the throng on the Piazza two youths 
were strolling, arm in arm. They were the Viscount 
Giovanni Massetti and Esp^rance, the son of Monte- 
Cristo. Fast friends they seemed, and gayly they 
chatted as they passed leisurely along. Their spirits 



70 



ANNUNZIATA SOLARA. 



were in full harmony with the animated scene around 
them, and they were evidently not insensible to the 
charms of the many pretty maidens they encountered 
and upon whom they cast admiring glances. 

Suddenly a peasant girl of dazzling beauty appeared 
in the Piazza very near them. She was apparently 
about seventeen, glowing with sturdy health, her full 
cheeks the hue of the red rose. Her sleeves, rolled 
above the elbows, displayed perfect arm's that would 
have been the envy of a sculptor. Her feet were bare 
and her short skirts afforded dazzling glimpses of 
finely turned ankles and limbs of almost faultless form. 
Her face had a cheery and agreeable expression, not 
unmixed with piquant archness and a sort of dainty, 
bewitching coquetry. She was a flower-girl, and was 
vending bouquets from a basket jauntily borne on one 
arm. She addressed herself glibly to the young men 
she met, offering her wares so demurely and modestly 
that she seldom failed in finding appreciation and 
liberal customers. There was not even a suspicion 
of boldness or sauciness about her, but she had that 
entire self-possession engendered by thorough famili- 
arity with her somewhat risky and perilous vocation. 

Giovanni and Esperance caught sight of her simul- 
taneously. Both were struck by her appearance and 
demeanor, to which her gaudy but neat and clean 
peasant costume gave additional eclat. 

"What a handsome girl!" exclaimed Esperance, in- 
voluntarily. 

"A divinity !" replied the Yiscount, excitedly. 
Then they glanced at each other and laughed, evi- 



ANNUNZIATA SOLARA. 



71 



dently rather ashamed of the admiration they had so 
enthusiastically expressed. 

"Her first words, however, will scatter the illusion 
to the winds," said Esperance, cynically. "She is, no 
doubt, as ignorant as she is pretty." 

"Quite likely," rejoined Giovanni. "The outside 
beauty of these peasant girls generally conceals much 
internal coarseness, not to say depravity." 

They were about pursuing their way, when the girl 
advanced, offering them her bouquets. Her voice was 
so sweet, so melodious, so deliciously modulated, that 
the young men paused in spite of themselves. She 
stood in a most graceful attitude, her parted coral lips 
exhibiting teeth as white and glittering as pearls. A 
subtile magnetism seemed to exhale from her that was 
not without its influence upon the two youths. Be- 
sides, her words did not betoken that ignorance alluded 
to by Esperance or that depravity the Viscount had 
spoken of. 

"Buy some bouquets for your fair sweethearts, 
signors," she said. "They will gladden their hearts, 
for the perfume speaks of love!" 

"Love!" exclaimed Giovanni, smiling at her earnest 
ness and poetic language. "What do you know of 
love?" 

"Ah! signor," she answered, blushing deeply and 
averting her eyes, " what girl does not know of love ! 
Even the meanest peasant feels the arrow of the little 
blind god!" 

The young men were amused and interested. Though 
belonging to the lower class, this poor flower-girl had 



72 



ANNUNZIATA S0IARA. 



certainly received some education and was endowed 
with a fair share of the finer feelings. Esperance felt 
attracted towards her, and Giovanni experienced a 
fascination not difficult to account for. Separated from 
Zuleika, filled with a lover's despair, the ardent Vis- 
count was not averse to a little flirtation, more or less 
innocent. Here was his opportunity ; he would culti- 
vate this romantic and handsome girl's acquaintance. 
Where was the harm ? He did not design being un- 
faithful to Zuleika, and this piquant peasant would be 
none the worse for brightening some of his sad hours. 
No doubt she was accessible and would welcome such 
a diversion, especially as he would pour gold liberally 
into her lap. 

"1 will buy some flowers of you, my girl," he said, 
encouragingly. 

"Here is a beautiful bouquet, signor," said the girl, 
smiling joyously at the prospect of making a profitable 
sale, and handing him a magnificent selection of fra- 
grant buds and bloom. 

Giovanni took the bouquet and, at the same time, 
gently pressed the girl's taper fingers. They were 
soft and velvety to his touch. A delightful thrill 
shot through him at the contact. The flower-girl 
evinced no displeasure, Clearly she was accustomed 
to such advances. The Viscount slipped a gold coin 
of considerable value into her hand, again experien- 
cing the delightful thrill. 

"This is too much, signor," said the girl, looking 
at the coin, "and I have not the change. You must 
wait a moment until I get it." 



ANNUNZIATA SOLAKA. 



73 



"Never mind the change, 7 ' answered Giovanni. 
"Keep the whole." 

The girl looked astonished at such liberality, then 
a joyous smile overspread her beautiful visage. 

"Oh! thank you, thank you ever so much, signor," 
she said, effusively, the color deepening on her tempt- 
ing cheeks. Giovanni with difficulty restrained him- 
self from kissing them. 

"What is your name, my girl?" he asked, as she 
moved to depart. 

"Annunziata Solara, signor," she replied, surprised 
that such a question should be asked her. 

"Where do you live?" 

"In the country, just beyond the Trastavere." 

"Do you live alone?" 

"No; with my father, Pasquale Solara." 

"What is his occupation?" 

"He is a shepherd, signor." 

The girl bowed to the two young men and, with a 
glance at Giovanni that set his blood tingling in his 
veins, passed on and was speedily lost in the throng 
of promenaders. 

Esperance, who had watched this scene with amused 
curiosity, broke into a hearty laugh as the Viscount 
turned towards him with something very like a sigh. 

"Giovanni," said he, "the pretty Annunziata Solara 
has bewitched you!" 

"Not quite so much as that, Esperance," replied 
the young' Italian. "But she is a glorious creature, 
isn't she? " 

"Yes, as far as looks go; but all is not gold that 



74 



ANNUNZIATA SOLARA. 



glitters, and this fair Annunziata may turn out a per- 
fect fiend or fury upon a closer acquaintance!" 

Giovanni gave his friend a glance of reproach. 

"Do not insult her with such wretched insinua- 
tions," he replied, warmly. 

Esperance smiled and said: 

"You are smitten with her, that's plain!" 

"I am not, but I admire her as I would anything 
beautiful." 

"Put it as you " please. At any rate, you will 
hardly be likely to see her again. She was a vision 
and has faded." 

"But I do not intend to lose sight of her." 

"You do not mean to say that you design seek- 
ing her out?" 

"That is exactly what I mean to say." 

Esperance looked at his friend quizzically and, at 
the same time, uneasily. 

"When do you design seeking her out?" 

"This very night." 

"In the Trastavere?" 

"No. You did not hear her aright. She said she 
lived in the country, just beyond the Trastavere. I 
will seek her there." 

"What! Alone?" 

"Alone." 

"Beware, Giovanni! Her bright eyes may lead you 
into danger! How do you know that she has not 
some fierce brigand lover, who will meet you with a 
stiletto?" 

"Nonsense! Your fears are childish!" 



ANNUNZIATA SOLARA. 



75 



"I am not so sure of that. The country beyond 
the Trastavere is infested by daring robbers, who 
would not hesitate to seize you and hold you for a 
ransom. Only the other day the notorious Luigi 
Vampa performed just such an exploit, exacting a 
very large sum for the release of his prisoner, who 
was a wealthy nobleman like yourself." 

"I will take the chances I" 

"You are mad!" 

"I am not. I have no fear of brigands. They 
would not dare to lay even a finger upon a Massetti!" 

The young Viscount drew himself up proudly as 
he spoke. He believed the power of his family in- 
vincible. 

Esperance was at a total loss to understand the 
firm hold this sudden infatuation had taken upon his 
friend. Of course, he fully comprehended the influence 
of female beauty over hot, headstrong youth, and he 
acknowledged to himself that Annunziata was really 
very beautiful and alluring; still, she was not more 
so than hosts of other girls who would be glad to 
win a smile from the Viscount Massetti at almost 
any price, and whose pursuit would be altogether un- 
attended with danger. It was well known that the 
shrewd brigands frequently sent handsome young 
women to Rome to entice their prey to them, and 
might not Annunziata Solara, with all her apparent 
demureness, be one of those dangerous Delilahs? 

After several further attempts to dissuade the Vis- 
count from the rash venture he had decided upon 
making, all of which were vain, Espdrance resolved 



76 



ANNUJSZIATA SOLAEA. 



that his impetuous friend should not go alone that 
night in quest of the fascinating Annunziata. He 
would follow him unseen and endeavor to protect him 
should the necessity arise. He knew the Viscount's 
nature too thoroughly to propose accompanying him, 
as such a proposition would undoubtedly be received 
with scorn, if not as an absolute insult. He would, 
however, keep track of him and, if all went well, 
Massetti would be none the wiser. If, on the con- 
trary, his aid should be needed, he could come for- 
ward and give it. In that event, gratitude on the 
Viscount's part would prevent him from demanding 
an explanation of his presence. 

Meanwhile the young men had continued their 
stroll and had passed from the Piazza del Popolo to 
the Corso. Giovanni was taciturn and moody. He 
looked straight ahead, failing to notice the gayly at- 
tired beauties thronging that great thoroughfare, who 
at ordinary times would have engrossed his attention. 
Not so with Esperance; he admired the vivacious 
ladies on the sidewalk or in their handsome carriages 
drawn by spirited horses. Now and then he recog- 
nized an acquaintance among them and bowed, but 
Giovanni recognized no one. He seemed plunged in 
a reverie that nothing could break. Scarcely did he 
reply to Esperance's occasional remarks, and when he 
did so it was with the air of a man whose thoughts 
are far away. 

At the broad portico of the magnificent Palazzo 
Massetti, Esperance, the son of Monte-Cristo bade his 
friend farewell. As he turned to depart, he said: 



ANNUNZIATA SOLARA. 



77 



" Is your determination still unaltered, do you yet 
intend to seek Annunziata Solara in the country 
beyond the Trastavere?" 

Giovanni glanced at him keenly, as he replied, 
somewhat impatiently: 

" My determination is unaltered. I shall seek her!" 

"To-night?" 

" To-night!" 

Esperance said nothing further, but departed, full of 
sad forebodings. He felt a premonition of evil, and 
was certain that his infatuated friend would meet 
with some dire mishap during the romantic and 
hazardous expedition of that night. It was now quite 
late, and the young man hurriedly bent his steps 
towards the Palazzo Costi, maturing his plan as he 
walked along. He would inform the Count of Monte- 
Cristo that he had been invited to accompany some 
friends on a pleasure excursion, requesting his per- 
mission to absent himself from Eome for a few days. 
This permission obtained, he would assume the garb 
of an Italian peasant, make his way to the Ponte St. 
Angelo and there, in the shadow of the bridge, await 
the coming of the Viscount Massetti. When the 
latter had passed his place of concealment, he would 
follow him at a distance, keeping him in view and 
watching him closely. 

Monte-Cristo made no objection to his son's pro- 
posed absence, and the young man, after a hasty 
supper, hurried to his sleeping chamber, where he 
soon assumed a peasant's dress he had worn at a 
recent masquerade. Stepping in front of a toilet 



78 



ANNUNZIATA SOLARA. 



mirror, lie applied a stain to his face, giving it the 
color of that of a sunburnt tiller of the fields. When 
his disguise was completed, he surveyed himself tri- 
umphantly in the glass. Even his father could not 
have recognized him, so radically had he altered his 
appearance. 

Gaining the street by a private door without being 
observed, he was speedily at the bridge. As he 
stepped into the shadow of one of the abutments, he 
heard the great clock of the Vatican strike seven. 
It was twilight, but everything around him was as 
plainly visible as in broad day. He glanced in every 
direction. No sign of Giovanni. Had the ardent 
young Viscount already crossed the Tiber? 

He thought not, and waited patiently for a quarter 
of an hour. Still no sign. Then he began to grow 
anxious. Massetti had certainly passed over the 
bridge and he had missed him. He waited a few 
minutes longer, devoured by impatience and anxiety. 
At last he reached the conclusion that Giovanni had 
preceded him, had gone on alone, unprotected. He 
must have done so ; otherwise he would certainly 
have appeared ere this. The thought was torture. 
To what unknown, what deadly perils was he expo- 
sing himself amid the marshes without the city walls? 
But perhaps he had not yet left the city walls behind 
him! A ray of hope came to Esperance. If Mas- 
setti were still within the limits of the Trastavere, 
he might by using due speed overtake him! He 
would make the attempt at any rate. As he formed 
this resolution, he emerged from the shadow of the 



ANNUNZIATA S0LARA. 



79 



abutment. At that instant a man came upon the 
bridge and passed him. He passed so closely that 
they almost touched, uttering a suppressed oath at 
finding an intruder in his path. His pace was rapid, 
so rapid that he was soon far away. He had not 
even looked at Esperance, and it seemed to the latter* 
that he had endeavored to conceal his face. The 
man was of Giovanni's size and had Giovanni's bear- 
ing, but there the resemblance ended. He was cer- 
tainly a peasant; his attire betokened it; besides, his 
countenance, of which Esperance had caught a glimpse, 
was rough and tanned. The son of Monte- Cristo felt 
a pang of keen disappointment; then he glanced at 
his own garments, thought of his own stained visage, 
and a revelation came to him like a flash of light- 
ning — the man was Giovanni — Giovanni in disguise! 
He hurriedly looked after his retiring figure; it was 
now but a mere speck in the distance, scarcely discern- 
ible in the fading twilight. He started swiftly in 
pursuit, almost running across the bridge. After a 
hot and weary chase, he at length gained so much on 
the object of his solicitude that he was as near as he 
deemed it prudent to approach. He was now sure 
that the man ahead of him was the Yiscount Massetti. 

Esperance paused a second to recover his breath; 
then he went on at a slower pace. The pursued had 
not discovered the pursuit; he trudged along steadily 
and sturdily, never once looking back. Thus the two 
men crossed the Trastavere, and each in turn, emerg- 
ing from a gate in the wall of the Leonine City, 
passed out into the marshy country beyond. They 



80 ANNUNZIATA SOLAKA. 

had not gone very far, when Esperance saw Giovanni 
suddenly give a start; at the same time he heard a 
loud, harsh voice cry out: 

"In the name of Luigi Vampa, halt!" 

Straining his eyes, Esperance finally succeeded in 
^piercing the semi-darkness of the surroundings, and 
perceived a gigantic ruffian, who wore a black mask, 
standing in the centre of the road and presenting a 
pistol at the head of the man he had every reason to 
believe was Giovanni Massettil 



THE POWER OF A NAME. 



81 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE POWER OF A NAME. 

THE young Viscount, for it was, indeed, lie whom 
the gigantic masked brigand had halted, was 
staggered for an instant by this unlooked for interrup- 
tion of his journey in pursuit of the beautiful flower- 
girl. He gazed at the huge ruffian in front of him 
first in bewilderment and then in anger. The robber 
calmly continued to cover him with his pistol; as 
Giovanni made a movement with his hand towards a 
stiletto he wore at the belt of his peasant's dress, the 
man's quick eye detected his intention and he ex- 
claimed, in a rough tone of command: 

"Touch that stiletto and I will blow your brains 
out!" 

The Viscount dropped his hand; he was as brave- 
as a lion, but the bandit had the advantage of him 
and, courageous as he was, he instantly recognized the 
folly of disregarding his warning. His rage and indig- 
nation, however, were too great for him to control. 
He cried to his stalwart adversary: 

"Why do you stop a poor peasant from whom you 
can obtain nothing?" 

"You are not a poor peasant, signor!" 

"I am not, eh? Well, search me and see!" 

"You are neither a poor peasant, signor, nor any 
5 



82 



THE POWER OF A NAME. 



peasant at all! I have seen you too often in Eome 
to be deceived by the flimsy disguise you wear so un- 
naturally! I know you! You are the Yiscount Giov- 
anni Massetti!" 

"Well, what if I am?" retorted the young man, 
sharply. "The fact will not benefit you or any member 
of your accursed and cowardly band!" 

"Have a care how you talk, signor!" exclaimed the 
bandit, threateningly. " Insolence to your captors may 
cost you more than you would be willing to pay!" 

"Indeed?" 

" Yes ; I mean exactly what I say. It may cost you 
your life!" 

Giovanni glared at the brigand with unflinching eyes. 
He returned threat for threat. 

"Take my life, if you will," he said. "It would be 
the worst piece of work you have ever done ! " 

"May I ask why, signor?" 

"It would raise my family against you and the re- 
sult could not fail to be your extermination!" 

The man laughed loudly, and caustically replied: 

"You are joking! What can your family do against 
Luigi Yampa and his comrades, who have long been 
countenanced by the highest authority!" 

This was the climax of insult, and Giovanni, driven 
to the highest pitch of fury, unable longer to control 
himself, tore his stiletto from its sheath and, raising it 
aloft, made a frantic dash at the gigantic brigand. In- 
stantly the latter fired. Giovanni dropped his weapon; 
his right arm fell useless at his side. 

Esperance meanwhile had not been idle. His • ex- 



THE POWER OF A NAME. 



83 



citement was intense, and with it was mingled terri- 
ble fear for the safety of his friend. Nevertheless, he 
eventually succeeded in sufficiently calming and col- 
lecting himself to form a plan of action and put it 
in execution. He had provided himself with a pistol, 
which he had freshly charged prior to his departure 
from the Palazzo Costi. He drew this weapon from 
its place of concealment at the first intimation of 
danger, noiselessly cocking it. The road was skirted 
with tall thick bushes from which projected a fringe 
of heavy shadows. Along this dark fringe Esperance 
stole with cautious tread towards the huge bandit, as 
soon as he perceived him standing in the centre of 
the highway and noted his threatening attitude. As 
he stealthily advanced, the moon suddenly rose, flood- 
ing the scene with its silvery light. Its rays, how- 
ever, did not disturb the line of skirting shadows, and 
Esperance passed on unseen. When the brigand fired 
he was very near him. Seeing Giovanni's arm fall 
and realizing that he was wounded, the son of Monte- 
Cristo promptly raised his weapon and, covering the 
gigantic ruffian, discharged it directly at his heart. 
Blood gushed from the man's breast. He sank to the 
ground, where he lay quivering convulsively; in 
another instant he expired without even uttering a 
groan. 

Giovanni, whose arm was badly shattered and who 
was suffering frightful pain, stood speechless with 
amazement at this sudden, unexpected intervention in 
his favor. Esperance instantly sprang to his side. 
The young Italian stared at him as if he had been an 



84 



THE POWER OF A NAME. 



apparition from the other world. He failed to recog- 
nize him in his peasant's dress, with his stained visage. 

"Who are you?" he gasped, as soon as he was able 
to find words. 

"Do you not know me?" asked Esperance, astonished. 
In his excitement he had forgotten his disguise. 

"You are a stranger to me," replied the Viscount, 
"but my gratitude is none the less on that account. 
You have rescued me from captivity, perhaps saved 
my life!" 

"I am no stranger, Giovanni. I am your friend, 
Esperance." 

" What ! Esperance in that dress, with that sunburnt 
countenance! I thought your voice had a strangely 
familiar sound, but your disguise proved too complete 
for me to penetrate it ! " 

These words recalled to the mind of the son of 
Monte-Cristo the changes he had made in his appear- 
ance. No wonder that Viscount had failed to recog- 
nize him ! 

" Why did you disguise yourself, and how came 
you here at this critical juncture?" demanded Gio- 
vanni, after a pause. 

"I disguised myself that I might follow you with- 
out fear of detection. You would not listen to reason, 
and I determined to protect you during your rash ad- 
venture so far as might lie in my power." 

" From the bottom of my heart I thank you, Es- 
perance. You are a brave as well as a devoted friend, 
fully worthy of your illustrious father! But how did 
you know me? I, too, am disguised." 



THE POWER OF A NAME. 



85 



" The fact of my own disguise enabled me to pene- 
trate yours. I recognized you almost immediately 
after you passed me on the Ponte St. Angelo." 

"What! Were you the peasant I nearly ran down 
as I crossed the bridge ? " 

"I was. But let us lose no more time; we have 
lost enough already. Besides, more of Luigi Vampa's 
band are probably prowling in the vicinity, and I 
imagine we both have had sufficient of the banditti 
for one night ! Prudence dictates that we should return 
at once to Eome. With your shattered arm, you 
surely do not count upon continuing your search for 
the fair Annunziata at present?" 

" No ; that is impossible, I regret to say. I will re- 
turn with you to Eome." 

As the Viscount spoke a sudden tremor seized upon 
him, and he leaned on his friend's shoulder for sup- 
port. 

"You are faint from loss of blood!" exclaimed 
Esperance, much alarmed. " How thoughtless in 
me not to bind up your wound ! " 

Taking his handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped 
the blood from his friend's arm, carefully, tenderly 
bandaging the hurt ; then he made a sling of Giovanni's 
handkerchief, placing the wounded member in it. The 
Viscount felt easier thus, though still somewhat faint. 

"You are quite a physician, Esperance," said he. 

"Not at all," replied the son of Monte-Cristo ; "but 
my father taught me how to manage hurts ; he said 
the knowledge would at some time be useful to me^ 
and his words have proved true." 



86 



THE POWER OF A NAME. 



" Your father is a wonderful man ; lie seems to 
think of everything, to provide for all contingencies. 
Thanks to the skill he imparted to you, I am now in 
a condition to start on the homeward journey." 

The young men turned their faces towards Eome, 
but scarcely had they taken a dozen steps when the 
road in front of them literally swarmed with rough- 
looking armed men, who effectually barred their progress. 
In an instant they were surrounded. Kesistance was 
impossible; the two friends glanced at each other and 
about them in dismay. The new comers were evi- 
dently bandits, members of Luigi Vampa's desperate band. 

One of the miscreants, who appeared to be the leader 
and was very picturesquely attired, confronted Gio- 
vanni and Esperance. He had a pistol in his belt, 
but did not draw it. 

"You are my prisoners!" said he, in a tone of 
authority. 

"Who are you, and by what right do you detain 
us?" demanded Espdrance, haughtily. 

"Who I am," replied the brigand, in a stern voice, 
"does not concern you. The right by which I detain 
you is the right of the strongest!" 

u We cannot oppose your will, however unreasonable 
and unjust," returned Esperance; "my friend is 
wounded and my pistol is discharged. We can only 
throw ourselves upon your mercy; but we are gentle- 
men in spite of our dress, and demand to be treated 
as such!" 

"How came your friend to be wounded and your 
pistol discharged?" asked the bandit, suspiciously. 



THE POWER OF A NAME. 



87 



"My friend was attacked and I went to his assist- 
ance," answered Esperance. 

"You were in a fight, then/' resumed the leader. 
Turning suddenly to his men, he asked: "Where is 
Ludovico?" 

"He went up the road half an hour since, and has 
not yet returned," answered a short, thick-set young 
fellow, who seemed to be the leader's lieutenant. 

"Just like him," said the leader. "Always rash, 
always seeking adventures alone. I heard a pistol- 
shot some time back," he continued, looking mena- 
cingly at Bsperance. "Perhaps Ludovico has been 
assassinated! If so, it shall go hard with his mur- 
derers! Let him be searched for." 

The short, thick-set lieutenant, accompanied by sev- 
eral of the band, immediately departed to obey the 
order. 

Esperance glanced anxiously at Giovanni. A new 
danger threatened them. The gigantic brigand who 
had been slain was, without doubt, this Ludovico. 
His body would be found and summary vengeance 
taken upon them. Giovanni also realized the ad- 
ditional peril; but neither of the young men gave the 
slightest evidence of fear; inwardly they resolved to 
face death stoically, to meet it without the quiver of 
a muscle. 

In a brief space the lieutenant and his companions 
returned; two of the men bore the corpse of the huge 
robber; they placed it on the grass by the roadside 
where the full moonlight streamed upon it, showing 
the wound in the breast and the garments saturated 



88 



THE POWER OF A NAME. 



with, blood. A frown contracted the leader's visage; 
he glanced at Esperance and the Viscount with a 
look of hate and rage; then, turning to the lieutenant, 
he said: 
"Well?" 

"We found Ludovico lying in the road a little dis- 
tance from here," replied the short, thick-set man, 
with a trace of emotion in his rough voice. u He 
was shot in the heart and had been dead for some 
time." 

The brigands had gathered about the prostrate 
form of their comrade ; they seemed to be much af- 
fected by his fate ; Ludovico was evidently a favorite. 

As soon as the leader had received his subordinate's 
report, he turned to the prisoners, asking, sternly: 

"Which of you murdered this man?" 

"No murder was committed," returned Esperance, 
indignantly. "The huge ruffian shot my friend, shat- 
tering his arm, as you see; he was killed as a meas- 
ure of defence." 

"Your pistol is discharged," continued the leader, 
harshly; "that you have admitted; you killed Ludo- 
vico!" 

"I defended my friend, whom he had basely at- 
tacked," said Esperance, sullenly. 

"You killed this man? Yes or no!" 
"I killed him!" 

"Enough!" cried the leader, grinding his teeth. 
"You shall pay the penalty of your crime! Both of 
you shall die!" 

He motioned to his lieutenant and in an instant 



THE POWEB OF A NAME. 



89 



Esperance and Giovanni were securely bound. The 
young men read desperate resolution and fierce ven- 
geance upon all the rough, countenances around them. 
There was not the faintest glimmer of hope; death 
would be dealt out to them at once and in the most 
summary fashion. Indeed, nooses were already dang- 
ling from a couple of trees by the roadside, waiting 
to do their fell work. The sight of these dread pre- 
parations roused Giovanni. With flashing eyes, he 
faced the leader of the band. 

"Beware!" he cried. "If you murder us, you will 
have all Eome to deal with! We have told you we 
are gentlemen and not peasants. I am the Viscount 
Giovanni Massetti and my companion is the son of 
the famous Count of Monte-Cristo!" 

As the young Italian uttered these words, a new 
comer suddenly appeared upon the scene for whom 
all the rest made way. He was an intellectual look- 
ing man, unostentatiously attired in a peasant's garb. 

"Who spoke the name of the Count of Monte- 
Cristo?" demanded he. 

The leader silently pointed to Massetti, who in- 
stantly replied: 

"I spoke the name of the Count of Monte-Cristo, 
and he will surely take bitter vengeance upon you 
all for the murder of his son!" 

"His son? n 

"Yes, his son, who stands here at my side, ignobly 
bound and menaced with a shameful death ! " 

The stranger turned to Esperance and examined 
him closely. 



90 



THE POWER OF A NAME. 



"Are you the son of Monte-Cristo? " lie asked, vis- 
ibly agitated. 

"I am," answered Esperance, coldly. 
"Give me some token." 
"'Wait and hope!'" 
" His maxim ! " 

"Ah! you recognize it. Do you also recognize 
this?" 

As he spoke the young man held up his left hand, 
and a magnificent diamond ring he wore flashed in 
the moonlight. The new comer took his hand and 
glanced at the jewel, one that the Count of Monte- 
Cristo had worn for years and which he had but a 
few days before presented to his son. 

" I am convinced," said the stranger. Then, turn- 
ing to the leader, he said, in a tone of command: 
"Eelease these men!" 

" But they have slain Ludovico ! " 

"Eelease them!" thundered the stranger. "Ludo- 
vico should have known better then to have inter- 
fered with my friends!" 

He was instantly obeyed, and the two young men, 
greatly astonished, stood relieved of their bonds. 

"You are at liberty," continued the stranger, "and 
can resume your route. Say to the Count of Monte- 
Cristo that Luigi Yampa remembers his compact and 
is faithful to it!" 

As he spoke the notorious bandit chief gathered 
his men together, and the whole band vanished among 
the trees like so many spirits of the night. 



IN THE ■ PEASANT'S HUT. 



91 



CHAPTER VII. 

IN THE PEASANT'S HUT. 

FOR a moment the two young men stod silent and 
astounded. So sudden had been the change from 
imminent peril to safety that they could hardly com- 
prehend it. Luigi Vampa had come and gone like a 
flash, and both bandits and danger had been dispelled 
by the wonderful magic of Monte- Cristo's name. The 
brigand chief had styled Giovanni and Esperance his 
friends, and as such they knew the entire country in 
the vicinity of Eome was free to them; they could 
travel it by day or by night without fear of molesta- 
tion. Esperance cared little for this, but Giovanni 
was elated by it, for it would enable him to seek 
out Annunziata Solara without risk of interruption or 
impediment. But what was the Count of Monte- 
Cristo's mysterious power? That was a question dif- 
ficult, indeed, to answer. At any rate, even the fierce 
Luigi Yampa bowed to it, and it was as undisputed 
as it was strange. 

The Viscount Massetti was the first to realize the 
necessity of a rapid push for Rome. He was faint 
from loss of blood and excitement; besides, his shat- 
tered arm throbbed violently and gave him twinges 
of excruciating pain. He felt himself sinking and 
urged his friend to hasten. Esperance acquiesced, and, 



92 



IN THE PEASANT'S HUT. 



supporting the young Italian as best he could, they 
resumed the homeward journey. Scarcely a mile had 
been traversed, however, when Giovanni threw him- 
self upon the sward at the foot of a great tree, de- 
claring that it was altogether impossible for him to 
advance another step. The throbbing in his arm had 
become unbearable, taking his breath away and filling 
him with a sickening sensation. 

They were yet far from Rome, and not a sign of a 
habitation could be discerned in any direction. Wait- 
ing for daylight to come was not to be thought of; 
it would be some hours before dawn, and even when 
the sun had arisen it was by no means certain that 
assistance would be procurable. Meanwhile Giovanni 
would suffer torments, to say nothing of the danger 
of being exposed in his condition to the influence of 
the malaria from the surrounding marshes. 

Esperance, though unwilling to leave his friend's 
side for an instant, decided at last that it was imper- 
ative for him to go in search of succor. Meanwhile a 
raging fever had set in and Giovanni was rapidly 
growing worse. As the son of Monte- Cristo was 
about to start on his tour of investigation, he heard 
a man's voice singing at some distance away, but 
gradually coming nearer. The sound was cheery and 
reassuring, for certainly the man who could sing so 
sweetly and joyously must have a good, kind heart. 
As the man approached Esperance recognized his 
song — it was that beautiful and expressive serenade, 
"Cara Nina," a melody dear to all youthful Italian 
lovers whether humble or of high degree. 



IN" THE PEASANT'S HUT. 



93 # 



The man at length, came in sight; he was walking 
leisurely, but with a long, swinging gait. His voice 
was a clear, full tenor robusto, and the notes of his 
delicious love song trilled from his throat with 
wonderful effect in the still, balmy air of the tran- 
quil, glorious night. He was not over twenty, was 
a stalwart peasant, and the moonlight showed that 
he possessed a manly, open countenance. So engrossed 
was he by his serenade that he failed to notice Gio- 
vanni lying at the foot of the huge tree and Esper- 
ance standing beside him. He was passing on when 
the latter hailed him. He paused, somewhat alarmed, 
and his hand instinctively grasped a weapon concealed 
in his bosom. Bsperance hastened to reassure him. 

"Have no fear," he said. "We are merely travel- 
ers, and one of us is grievously wounded. In Heav- 
en's name, render what assistance you can!" 

The young peasant turned and came cautiously 
towards them. 

"This is a dangerous neighborhood," said he; "it 
is infested by bandits of the most reckless and daring 
description." 

"We have abundant reason to know it," answered 
Esperance, "for we have just had a very narrow escape 
from a horrible death at the hands of some of Luigi 
Vampa's men." 

"Luigi Vampa's men!" echoed the peasant, in 
astonishment. 

"Yes." 

"And they released you of their own accord? I 
never heard of such a thing! It is not their custom 



94 



IN THE PEASANT'S HUT. 



to free their prey, at least without a heavy ransom. 
Did they rob yon, or did you pay them for your liberty ? " 
"Neither," replied Esperance. 

The peasant's amazement was redoubled. He 
glanced inquiringly at the prostrate Viscount. 

"How came your comrade to be wounded?" he 
asked. 

"His arm was shattered by the pistol of a gigantic 
bandit." 

" Ludovico ? " demanded the peasant, glancing around 
him, as if he expected to see the huge assailant. 

"I believe that was his name," returned Esperance. 
"But he will do.no more injury!" 

"You do not mean to say that you killed him?" 

"I do." 

" And yet you were allowed to go free ! I cannot 
understand it ! " 

"Perhaps not, but you can understand that my 
friend is badly hurt and needs immediate aid and 
shelter. Is there not some hospitable cabin in the 
vicinity to which he can be conveyed, where he can 
be attended to until assistance arrives from Eome?" 

The peasant hesitated for an instant; then he said: 

" My father lives at a short distance from here ; he 
could shelter you if he would, but he is in such 
terror of the bandits that, under the circumstances, he 
would probably close his door against you." 

"He need have no fear of the brigands in this 
case, for Luigi Vampa has just given us a signal 
proof of his protection. Besides, he assured us that 
he was our friend." 



IN THE PEASANT'S HUT. 



95 



"This is singular, indeed," said the peasant, again 
hesitating. "Luigi Yampa is a friend to but very 
few, and they are those with whom he is in league. 
You certainly are not in league with him, or you 
would not have killed Ludovico ! " 

"This is no time for parley," replied Esperance. 
"My friend is suffering, and humanity alone should 
cause your father to receive him. I will engage to 
appease Luigi Vampa's anger, should it be aroused; 
at the worst, I pledge myself to surrender with my 
friend at the first summons to do so, and to assure 
the brigand chief that your father is altogether blame- 
less. Come, can I not prevail upon you to be gener- 
ous and humane ? " 

"Well," said the peasant, partially satisfied, "I will 
trust you, though I am taking a great risk. 
Should Vampa be offended, he will burn our hut 
over our heads and murder us all without pity. 
However, both your wounded friend and yourself 
shall have such poor shelter as our humble roof 
affords." 

Giovanni was aided to arise, and, taking him be- 
tween them, Esperance and the peasant began their 
walk. Fortunately they did not have far to go, 
otherwise the young Viscount's failing strength 
would have been unequal to the task. They quit- 
ted the highway, plunging into a narrow footpath 
closely wooded on either side; so thickly, in fact, 
did the tree branches interlace overhead that the 
moonbeams were effectually excluded and almost 
impenetrable darkness reigned. For an instant Es- 



96 



IN THE PEASANT'S HUT. 



p&rance was apprehensive of treachery, but tliis fear 
was dispelled when he thought of the manly bear- 
ing of the youthful peasant and the dread of the 
brigands he had expressed. The three could scarcely 
walk abreast in the narrow pathway, and every now 
and then Giovanni stumbled against some protruding 
root or other obstacle invisible in the obscurity ; but 
the peasant knew the road perfectly, and with no un- 
certain step hurried his companions on as rapidly as 
possible. 

Soon the path widened somewhat, the light com- 
menced to sift through the dense foliage, and the gurg- 
ling of a noisy brook was heard at no great distance. 
Suddenly they made an abrupt turn, coming in sight 
of a small, neat-looking cabin, covered with clustering 
vines and embowered in verdure. The brook dashed 
along within a few yards of it, the fresh odor of the 
water mingling gratefully with the perfume of honey- 
suckles and the aromatic scent of the surrounding 
forest. It was, indeed, a beautiful and highly roman- 
tic spot, a cosy, sequestered nook, such as that in 
which King Henry hid away his love, the Fair Rosa- 
mond, from the prying glances of the inquisitive world. 
Bsperance gazed at it with rapture, and even Giovanni, 
wounded and exhausted as he was, could not refrain 
from uttering an exclamation of astonishment and 
admiration. The cabin was closed and not a sign of 
life was visible. 

"We have arrived,' 7 said the peasant, in a low voice. 
Quitting his companions, he went to a window, against 
which he gave three distinct raps. 



IN THE PEASANT'S HUT. 



97 



The signal was almost immediately answered by- 
three similar raps from within; then the window 
was thrown open and a woman's head appeared. The 
moonlight fell full upon her face, and both Esperance 
and Giovanni suddenly started as they recognized 
Annunziata Solara, the bewitching flower-girl of the 
Piazza del Popoio. 

"It is she — it is Annunziata!" whispered the young 
Viscount in his comrade's ear. 

"Hush!" returned the latter, in a guarded undertone. 
"Do not betray yourself! She will never recognize us, 
disguised as we are! Besides, our guide's suspicions 
must not be aroused! He might yet refuse us shelter! " 

" You are right, as you always are," answered Mas- 
setti. " We must maintain our incognito, at least until 
we are sure of our ground." 

Meanwhile the peasant was speaking hastily with 
Annunziata. 

"Sister," he said, "I am not alone; two travelers, 
peasants like ourselves, are with me. They were 
attacked by Luigi Yampa's men, and one of them 
is sorely wounded." 

" Holy Yirgin ! " exclaimed the girl, evidently filled 
with terror. 

"They claim our hospitality for the night and our 
assistance until aid can be procured from Eome. In 
my father's name I have accorded them shelter. Open 
the door and admit us." 

The girl disappeared from the window and in another 
instant had flung the door open. As she stood there 
in the silverly light, the state of her garments and 
6 



98 



W THE PEASANT'S HUT. 



hair indicating that she had hurriedly risen from her 
couch, her bright, picturesque beauty was vastly 
heightened. The young men thought they had never 
beheld a more entrancing vision of female loveliness. 

" Where is father? " asked the peasant, anxiously. 

"He has not yet returned/' replied the girl. 

The guide uttered a sigh of relief. 

"I am glad," said he, "for Pasquale Solara does 
not like strangers. Were he here he might refuse to 
exercise hospitality towards this wounded man and 
his companion, even though they are, as they assert, 
friends of Luigi Vampa." 

"Friends of Luigi Vampa!" echoed the girl, becom- 
ing greatly alarmed. " The Blessed Virgin protect us ! " 

"They are not brigands, at any rate," said the 
peasant, " and I believe them honest men. If, however, 
they are deceiving me, I shall know how to act ! " 

There was an ominous flash in his eye as he spoke, 
and his hand again sought the weapon concealed 
within his bosom. Esperance, who had been intently 
listening to this conversation and had marked every 
motion of the young peasant, felt his suspicions re- 
vive; but there was no time for hesitation; shelter 
and aid for his friend were of the first necessity ; they 
must be obtained at once and at any cost. He had 
refrained from offering the peasant money, not wishing 
to betray that he and his companion were other per- 
sonages than they seemed, and now that Annunziata 
had appeared upon the scene he congratulated himself 
on the wisdom of his course. He, nevertheless, feared 
Giovanni's impulsiveness in the presence of the girl 



IN THE PEASANT'S HUT. 



99 



he so much admired, and determined to watch him as 
closely as possible, in order to promptly check all dam- 
aging disclosures. If Giovanni remained in this at- 
tractive nook long enough to open and carry on a 
flirtation with the beautiful flower-girl, he must do so 
solely as a peasant and under the cover of his clever 
disguise. It was hardly likely that Annunziata would 
recognize in Massetti and himself the two youthful 
gallants she had encountered but for a moment amid 
the gay throng and crush of the brilliant Piazza del 
Popolo. 

While these thoughts went flashing through his 
mind, the young Viscount, leaning heavily upon his 
arm, had not taken his eyes from the handsome, tempt- 
ing girl before him. Suffering as he was, he longed 
to be at her side, to clasp her lovely shape, to feel 
her warm, voluptuous breath stream over his face and 
imprint kiss after kiss on her ripe red lips. He had 
not forgotten Zuleika. Oh ! no ! But Annunziata So- 
lara was an altogether different being, a girl to delight 
him, intoxicate him, for a moment as the other for 
life. For Monte-Cristo's daughter his feeling was love, 
for the fascinating flower-girl of the Piazza del Popolo 
it was a passion to be sated. 

After a few more words to his sister, the peasant re- 
turned to the young men, aiding Esperance to trans- 
port Giovanni into the cabin. The interior of this 
humble abode was as neat and picturesque as the 
exterior. The room they entered was small and 
cheaply furnished, but feminine taste was everywhere 
displayed. A single candle was the only light, but 



100 



IN THE PEASANT'S HUT. 



the scanty illumination sufficed to show the refining 
touches of a woman's hand. In one corner stood a 
bed, the covers of which were turned down, and upon 
which was impressed the shape of its late occupant. 
At the head of the bed a brass crucifix was suspend- 
ed from the wall, while over the back of a chair hung 
articles of a woman's apparel. Giovanni could not 
doubt that he was in Annunziata's chamber, and that 
the imprint on the bed was hers. He felt a thrill of 
joy at the idea that he was to occupy the bewitching 
flower-girl's couch, to occupy, perhaps, the very place 
where she had lain but a short time before. 

Annunziata, who had thrown a cloak over her 
shoulders and night clothes, but whose feet were still 
bare, had accompanied her brother and his companions 
to the apartment. She eyed the strangers timidly, 
but curiously, though it was quite plain she failed to 
penetrate their disguise. With deft hands she rear- 
ranged the bed and removed her garments from the 
chair. Then she retired to another room, and the 
wounded Yiscount was aided to undress and assisted 
into the couch by the peasant and Espdrance, where 
he eventually fell asleep in a delirium of bliss, after 
his hurt had been properly cared for. 

Esp^rance was duly bestowed for the night, and 
soon unbroken silence brooded over the solitary cabin 
in the forest. 

Thus was enacted the initial scene of a drama that 
was destined to be fruitful in disastrous results, results 
that clouded more than one happy life. 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 10l 



CHAPTER VIII. 

A SYLVAN IDYL. 

IN the morning the Viscount Massetti's arm was 
found to be so much, swollen and his wound so 
painful that it was deemed advisable to send for a 
physician, who resided in a neighboring hamlet not 
more than a mile distant from the cabin of the Sol- 
aras. The man of medicine was soon at Giovanni's 
bedside. After examining and dressing his hurt, he 
declared that the patient ought not to be moved for 
at least a week, a piece of intelligence at which the 
young man inwardly rejoiced, notwithstanding all the 
torture he suffered, for his sojourn involved nursing 
at the hands of the beautiful Annunziata, who had 
already shown him that she possessed tenderness and a 
kind heart, as well as good looks. 

Esperance held a conference with his friend after 
the physician's departure to decide upon what should 
be done. He proposed to go at once to Rome and 
acquaint the Viscount's family with what had hap- 
pened and Giovanni's condition, but the young man 
firmly opposed this plan, declaring that he would be 
well in a few days at most and protesting that in- 
forming his relatives of his situation would involve 
explanations he had no desire to give. Giovanni also 
begged Esperance to remain with him and give no 



102 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 



sign as to their place of retreat; so earnestly did he 
solicit these favors that the son of Monte-Cristo, 
much against his will and with many forebodings, 
finally consented to grant them. 

Pasquale Solara returned home late on the day 
following the arrival of the strangers at his hut. He 
was an old, but sturdy shepherd, whose rough, sun- 
burned visage spoke of exposure to the weather and 
hard toil. He frequently was absent for days and 
nights in succession, absences that he never explained 
and about which his son and daughter did not dare 
to question him, for Pasquale was a harsh man, who 
grew angry at the slightest pretext and was inclined 
to be severe with all who sought to pry into his 
affairs. He expressed great fear of the bandits who 
infested the vicinity of Eome and especially of Luigi 
Vampa's band, but those who knew him best shook 
their heads doubtingly, and, though they did not say 
so, it was plainly to be seen that they deemed this 
fear merely assumed for purposes of his own. At any 
rate, it was a significant fact that Pasquale was never 
disturbed in his wanderings, while the brigands always 
left his dwelling and its inmates unmolested. 

The old shepherd frowned darkly when informed 
by his children that they had given shelter to a 
couple of travelers, one of whom had been wounded 
in a fight with a brigand, but he said nothing and' 
appeared disposed to accept the situation without 
even a grumble. He did not, however, enter the 
chamber in which Giovanni lay and avoided coming 
in contact with Esperance, who caught but a passing 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 



103 



glimpse of him ere he departed again on another ex- 
pedition, which he did after a stay of only half an 
hour at his cabin. 

The young peasant and Esperanee soon became 
quite friendly, indulging in many a ramble in the 
forest and beside the gurgling brook. The peasant's 
name was Lorenzo, and he appeared to lead a free 
life, totally unencumbered with avocation of any kind, 
save occasionally looking after a few sheep that never 
strayed far from the banks of the little stream. 

Annunziata for the time abandoned her visits to 
Eome, installing herself as Giovanni's nurse. She was 
almost constantly beside him, and her presence and 
care were more potent medicines than any the phy- 
sician administered. Her smile seemed to exercise 
a bewitching effect upon the young Viscount, while 
her voice sounded in his ravished ear like the sweet- 
est music. The handsome girl was the very picture 
of perfect health, and her well-developed form had all 
the charm of early maturity, added to youthful fresh- 
ness and grace. She wore short skirts, and her 
shapely limbs were never encumbered with stockings, 
while her feet were invariably bare. A low, loose 
body with short sleeves displayed her robust neck 
and shoulders, and plump, dimpled arms that would 
have been the envy of a duchess. Her hands as well 
as her feet were not small and the sun had given 
them a liberal coat of brown, but they were neatly 
turned and attractive, while her short, taper fingers 
were tipped with pink, carefully trimmed nails. Alto- 
gether she looked like the spirit of the place, a 



104 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 



delicious wood nymph as enchanting as any a poet's 
fancy ever created and yet a substantial, mortal reality 
well calculated to fire a man's blood and set his 
brain in a whirl. If she had appeared beautiful in 
Rome, amid the aristocratic fashion queens of the 
Piazza del Popolo, she seemed a thousand-fold more 
delightful and fascinating in her humble forest home, 
where she shook off all restraint and showed herself 
as she really was, a bright, innocent child of nature, as 
pure as the breath of heaven and as free from guile 
as the honey-fed butterfly of the summer sunshine. 

The more Giovanni saw of her the more he came 
under the dominion of her irresistible charms, the 
empire of her physical attractiveness. Gradually he 
mended, and as his wound healed his strength re- 
turned. At length, towards the close of the week, he 
was able to quit his bed and sit in a large chair by 
the window of his room. It had been agreed upon 
between him and Esperance that, during their sojourn 
at the Solara cabin, they should be known respectively 
as Antonio Valpi and Guiseppe Sagasta, and already 
Annunziata had bestowed upon her patient the friendly 
and familiar diminutive of Tonio, a name to which 
he answered with wildly beating heart and eyes that 
spoke volumes. 

By means of shrewdly managed questions the young 
Viscount had ascertained that the flower-girl had no 
lover, that her breast had never owned the tender 
passion, and this intelligence added fuel to the flame 
that was consuming him. It is not to be supposed 
that Annunziata was ignorant of the strong impression 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 



105 



she had made upon her youthful and handsome patient. 
She was perfectly aware of it and secretly rejoiced at 
the manifest exhibition of the power of her charms. 
Perhaps she did not as yet love Giovanni, perhaps it 
was merely the general physical attraction of a woman 
towards a man, or it might have been that innate spice 
of coquetry common to every female, but the fact 
remained that she tacitly encouraged the young Vis- 
count in his ardent attentions to her. She, moreover, 
lured and inflamed him in such a careless, innocent 
way that she acquired additional piquancy thereby. 
Had Annunziata been a designing woman of the world 
intent upon trapping a wealthy lover, instead of a 
pure and artless country maid totally unconscious of 
the harm she was working, she could not have played 
her game with more effect. Giovanni had become al- 
together her slave. He hung upon her smiles, drank 
her words and could hardly restrain himself in her 
presence. No shipwrecked mariner ever more greedily 
devoured with his dazzled eyes the fateful loreley of 
a rocky, deserted coast than he did her. Had she 
been his social equal, had her intelligence and educa- 
tion matched her personal beauty, he would have for- 
gotten Zuleika, thrown himself impetuously at her feet 
and solicited her hand. As it was, while Monte- 
Cristo's daughter possessed his entire heart, Annun- 
ziata Solara enslaved his senses. 

She received his approaches as a matter-of-course, 
without diffidence, without a blush. His gallant 
speeches pleased her, she did not know why. So 
thoroughly unsuspicious was she, that she failed to 



106 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 



notice his language was not that of the untutored 
peasant he claimed to be, that his bearing as well as 
his words indicated a degree of culture and refinement 
far above his assumed station. She was dazzled, 
charmed by him as the bird is by the glittering ser- 
pent with its wicked, fascinating eyes. She thought 
of nothing but the present and its novel joys. She 
had never heeded the future — she did not heed it 
now. 

One morning as she sat at his side by the open 
window, through which stole the balmy air of the 
forest laden with the intoxicating perfume of a thou- 
sand wild, intensely sweet flowers, Giovanni suddenly 
took her brown hand, covering it with passionate 
kisses. The girl did not resist, did not withdraw her 
hand from his; she did not even tremble, though a 
slight glow came into her cheeks, making her look 
like a very Circe. 

"Annunziata," said Giovanni, in a low voice scarcely 
above a whisper, "do you care for me?" 

"Care for you, Tonio?" replied the girl, gazing 
sweetly into his glowing and agitated countenance. 
"Oh! yes! I care a great deal for you!" 

He threw his arm about her neck, and, as his hand 
lay upon her shapely shoulder, a magnetic thrill shot 
through him like a sudden shock from a powerful 
electric battery. Annunziata did not seek to with- 
draw herself from his warm embrace, and he drew 
her to him with tightening clasp until her full, palpi- 
tating bosom rested against his breast. Her tempting 
red lips, slightly parted, were upturned; he placed his 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 



107 



upon them in a long, lingering, delirious kiss. Then 
the color deepened in her cheeks, and she gently dis- 
engaged herself. She did not, however, avert her 
eyes, but gazed into his with a look of mute inquiry. 
All this was new to her, and the more delicious 
because of its entire novelty. 

"Neither my father, nor my brother, nor my dead 
mother ever kissed me like that!" she said, artlessly. 

Giovanni was enraptured; the girl's innocence was 
absolutely marvelous; he had never dreamed that 
such innocence existed upon earth. Was she really 
what she appeared? 

" Annunziata," he said, abruptly, his heart beating 
furiously and his breath coming thick and fast, "you 
have never experienced love, or you would know the 
meaning of that kiss ! " 

"Love?" answered the girl, opening her large, lus- 
trous eyes widely. " Oh ! yes, I have felt love. I love 
my father and Lorenzo, I love — everybody!" 

"But not as you would love a young man, who 
would throw himself at your pretty feet and pour out 
the treasures of his heart to you!" 

" No young man has ever done that," said Annun- 
ziata, smiling and nestling closer to him. 

"But some one will before long, perhaps before 
many minutes ! How would you like me to be that 
one!" cried the Viscount, in his headlong fashion. 

" I cannot tell," answered the girl, "I do not know!" 

"Then let me try the experiment!" said Giovanni, 
rising from his chair and sinking on his knees in 
front of her. " Annunziata, I love you ! " 



108 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 



The girl stroked his hair and then passed her 
taper fingers through his flowing locks. She was 
silent and seemed to be thinking. Her bosom heaved 
just a little more than usual, and the glow on her 
cheeks became a trifle more intense. Giovanni, yet 
kneeling, seized her hand, holding it in a crushing 
clasp. 

"Do you hear me?" he cried, impatiently. "Do 
you understand me ? I love you ! " 

"You love me, Tonio?" replied the girl, slowly. 
" Well, it is only natural ! Every young man must 
love some young girl some time or other, and I think 
— I think — I love you a little ! " 

"Think!" said Giovanni, amazed. "Do you not 
know it? " 

"Perhaps!" answered Annunziata, still fondling his 
hair. 

Giovanni threw his arms about her waist, an ample, 
healthful waist, free from the restraints of corsets and 
the cramping devices of fashion. As he did so the 
sound of footsteps was heard without, and he had scarcely 
time to leap to his feet when Esperance entered the 
room. 

Massetti was confused and his friend noticed the 
fact. He also remarked that Annunziata was 
slightly flushed and seemed to have experienced some 
agreeable agitation. Esperance instantly leaped to a 
conclusion. Giovanni's flirtation with the fair flower- 
girl had gone a trifle too far, had assumed a serious 
aspect. He would interfere, he would remonstrate 
with him. It might not yet be too late after all. 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 



109 



Annunziata was a pure and innocent creature, unused 
to the ways of the world and incapable of suspecting 
the wickedness of men. She was on the point of 
falling into a deadly snare, on the point of being 
wrecked upon the most dangerous shoal life presented. 
Her very purity and innocence would make her an 
easy victim. Giovanni was not wicked ; he was 
merely young, the prey of the irresistible passion of 
youth. Annunziata's surpassing loveliness had fired 
his blood, had driven him to the verge of a reckless 
action, a crime against this beautiful girl that money 
could not repair. This crime should not be commit- 
ted, if he could help it, and he would risk the Vis- 
count's friendship to save him from himself. Gio- 
vanni could not marry the humble peasant girl; he 
should not mar her future. 

When Esperance came into the chamber, his pres- 
ence recalled Annunziata to herself and also damp- 
ened Massetti's ardor. The girl arose and, smiling at 
Esperance, tripped blushingly away. Giovanni was 
flushed and somewhat angry at the intrusion at the 
critical moment of his love making. Esperance's face 
was grave ; he felt all the weight of the responsibility 
he was about to assume. 

"Giovanni," said he, in a measured tone, "I do not 
blame you for being fascinated by a pretty, amiable 
girl like Annunziata Solara, far from it. She is cer- 
tainly a paragon of beauty, a model of rustic grace, a 
very tempting morsel of rural virtue and innocence. 
She is well fitted to turn the head of almost any 
young man — I freely acknowledge that. It is pardon- 



110 A SYLVAN IDYL. 



able to wish to enjoy lier society — nay, a harmless 
flirtation with her is, perhaps, not censurable ; but that 
is the utmost length to which a man of honor can go ! 
Eemember she has a reputation to lose, a heart to 
break!" 

"What do you mean by that long sermon?" de- 
manded the Viscount, setting his teeth and frowning 
savagely. 

"I mean that you have been making love to this 
poor girl, that you have been seeking to requite 
her care of you in a manner but little to your credit!" 

"I owe you my life, Bsperance," replied Massetti, 
"but even my gratitude will not shield you from my 
fury, if you step between me and Annunziata Solara ! " 

"You mean to pursue her then, to soil her name, 
to blast her future, for surely you are not courting 
her with marriage as your object?" 

Giovanni flushed scarlet at this open accusation. 

"I mean to pursue her — yes! What my object in 
the matter is concerns only myself; you have nothing 
whatever to do with it!" he exclaimed, hotly. 

"But I have a great deal to do with it!" replied 
Esperance, firmly. "You shall not pursue Annunziata 
Solara to her destruction! Between her good name 
and your reckless intentions I will oppose a barrier 
you cannot surmount — -myself!" 

"Do you mean to champion her to the extent of 
challenging me?" demanded Massetti, fairly foaming 
with ire. 

"If you persist in your nefarious designs, yes!" 
answered the son of Monte-Cristo, with equal warmth. 



A SYLVAN IDYL. 



Ill 



"You are my friend, my friend of friends, Giovanni 
Massetti, but the instant you menace that innocent 
girl's honor my friendship for you crumbles to dust 
and you become my deadly foe! Take your choice. 
Either leave this hospitable cabin with me as soon 
as the state of your wound will permit you to do so r 
meanwhile respecting Annunziata Solara as you would 
your own sister, or meet me pistol in hand on the 
field of honor! Take your choice, I say! "What is 
your decision?" 

"I will not give up Annunziata!" 

"Then you must fight!" 

"I shall not hesitate!" 

"So be it! My life against yours! I will defend 
this poor girl's honor to the last drop of my blood!" 
"When shall we fight?" 
"To-morrow at dawn." 
"Where?" 

"In the clearing beyond the chestnut copse on the 
further side of the brook. There is no need of wit- 
nesses; this matter is between us and us alone!" 

"So much the better, for it will be a duel to the 
death ! I cannot as yet hold my right arm aloft long 
enough to fight with it, but I will make my left hand 
serve!" Then, as a sudden thought struck him, Mas- 
setti added: "Do you propose to betray me, to carry 
your story to Annunziata and her brother?" 

Esp^rance surveyed his companion • with intense 
scorn flashing from his eyes. 

"I am no traitor!" he said, coldly, and, turning, 
quitted the apartment. 



112 



THE ABDUCTION. 



CHAPTEE IX. 

THE ABDUCTION. 

THE remainder of that day Esperance and Gio- 
vanni did not meet again; they purposely 
avoided each other, the former because he did not 
wish to have a further quarrel with the Viscount, and 
the latter because he dreaded a repetition of the accu- 
sations of dishonorable conduct, which had stung him 
deeper than he would own even to himself. 

Esperance disdained to play the spy upon Massetti, 
but, nevertheless, he determined not to quit the im- 
mediate vicinity of the cabin and to be as watchful as 
circumstances would permit. Nothing, however, oc- 
curred to arouse his suspicions as long as daylight 
lasted. Once or twice Giovanni quitted his chamber 
and walked back and forth excitedly on the sward in 
front of the hut, but his promenades were of very 
short duration, seeming to have no other object then 
to calm his seething brain. Annunziata did not go 
near him, though whether coquetry or fear caused her 
to pursue this course Esperance was unable to deter- 
mine, but her action gratified him because it gave 
Giovanni no opportunity to follow up whatever ad- 
vantage he might have gained with the flower-girl. 

Lorenzo appeared to have no suspicion whatever 
that anything was amiss either with the young men 



THE ABDUCTION. 



113 



or his sister. He was as light-hearted and cheerful 
as ever, going about his usual trifling occupations with 
gayety that was absolutely contagious, and displaying 
even more than his accustomed amiability., Esperance 
had grown to esteem this youthful peasant highly; he 
had found him manliness and generosity personified 
and had resolved, on his return to Eome, to interest 
the Count of Monte-Cristo in his welfare and advance- 
ment. With regard to Annunziata, Esperance was as 
yet altogether undecided; she was a problem he could 
not solve. Her innocence and virtue were apparent, 
but her childlike simplicity and utter lack of worldly 
experience, while so charming and delightful to behold, 
added to her wonderful beauty, exposed her to risks 
that were frightful to contemplate. Had she only pos- 
sessed a lover in her own rank of life, all would have 
been well with her; but she possessed no lover, was 
absolutely alone; if she escaped Giovanni, and Esper- 
ance was determined she should escape him if he 
could effect it, the chances were that she would event- 
ually fall into the clutches of some other admirer still 
more reckless and unscrupulous. The son of Monte- 
Cristo could not think of the lovely girl and her 
future without a pang that made his very heart ache. 
He, too, admired her beauty, her grace and her artless- 
ness, but his admiration was confined within the pro- 
per bounds, and could he have seen her suitably and 
happily wedded, he would have rejoiced to the depths 
of his soul. 

Late in the afternoon Pasquale Solara reappeared 
suddenly and without the least warning. The old man 
7 



114 



THE ABDUCTION. 



was covered with dust, as if he had been journeying 
far on foot. He plainly showed that he was greatly 
fatigued, also that something had occurred to irritate 
him. He entered the cabin unobserved, and was there 
for some moments before his presence was discovered. 
Annunziata was the first to see him, sitting upon a 
rude wooden bench with his stout oaken staff in his 
hand on which he leaned heavily. She threw her 
arms about his neck with a cry of joy, endeavoring 
to snatch a kiss from his tightly-closed lips, but he 
sternly and silently repulsed her. Lorenzo, in his turn, 
met with no warmer reception at his fathers hands. 
But his children were used to Pasquale's moods and 
were, therefore, altogether unaffected by his present 
morose deportment; they speedily left him to himself, 
giving themselves no further trouble concerning him. 
Once when Esperance came into the room the old man 
stared at him inquiringly, as if he had utterly for- 
gotten the fact that strangers were enjoying the 
shelter of his roof; then he appeared to recollect and 
scowled so savagely that the young man beat a hasty 
retreat, going to seek Lorenzo, whose cheery voice 
was heard singing beyond the brook. 

As Esperance came in sight of the little stream, he 
nearly stumbled over a peasant, lying at full length 
beneath the spreading branches of an aged willow. 
The stranger was reading a book, and Esperance was 
amazed to notice that it was " Caesars Commentaries." 
He uttered an apology for his awkwardness, but the peas- 
ant only smiled and, in a gentle voice, begged pardon for 
being in the way. That voice ! Esperance was certain he 



THE ABDUCTION. 



115 



had heard it before, but where or when he could not 
recall, though it thrilled him to the very marrow of 
his bones, filling him with vague apprehensions. The 
man's face, too, was familiar, as also was his attire; 
but there was great similarity between the Italian 
peasants in the vicinity of Eome in general looks and 
dress; it was quite likely that he had not seen this 
man before, but some other resembling him; still, the 
voice and face troubled Esp^rance, and he decided to 
question the peasant; the rarity of strangers' visits to 
this sequestered locality would be a sufficient pretext 
for his curiosity. 

"My friend," said he, addressing the recumbent 
reader, who had resumed his book, "are you a rela- 
tive or acquaintance of the Solaras?" 

" I am neither/' replied the man, carelessly, glancing 
up from his volume and allowing his penetrating eyes 
to rest on his questioner. " I strolled here by chance, 
and this cosy nook was so inviting that I took posses- 
sion of it without a thought as to the intrusion I was 
committing." 

The peasant's language was refined; Esperance noted 
this fact and was not a little surprised thereby; in 
addition, he could not understand why the stranger 
should be reading " Caesar's Commentaries," a work 
far beyond the range of the usual peasant intellect-. 

" You are committing no intrusion," said he. " Lor- 
enzo and Annunziata, I am sure, would be gla.d to 
welcome you. Old Pasquale is somewhat of a savage, 
it is true, but luckily he does not bother himself 
much about anything or anybody." 



116 



THE ABDUCTION. 



"Pasquale has arrived then?" said the man, dropping 
his book and. evincing a sudden interest. 

"Yes; he is in the cabin now," answered Esperance, 
his astonishment increasing. "Do you want to speak 
with him?" 

"No," said the peasant, lightly springing to his feet. 
He hastily closed his book, thrust it into his belt, 
and, bowing to Esperance, disappeared in the forest. 

The young man looked after him for an instant; 
then he joined Lorenzo and informed him of the meet- 
ing. At his first words Annunziata's brother ceased 
singing; a cloud overspread his brow, and he asked, 
in an eager tone, for a description of the curiously 
behaved stranger. Esperance gave it to him, remark- 
ing as he did so that his companion turned slightly 
pale and seemed frightened. 

"Who is this man?" he asked, as he concluded. 
"Do you know him? He appeared strangely familiar 
to me." 

" Do I know him ? " repeated Lorenzo, with a shud- 
der. "Yes — that is no!" 

Esperance stared at his comrade in surprise and 
uneasiness; the youthful peasant evidently had more 
knowledge of the singular intruder than he was will- 
ing to admit. There was surely some mystery here. 
What was it? Did the presence of this stranger men- 
ace the peace, the tranquillity, the safety of the Solara 
family? Was he in some dark way associated with 
the movements and actions of old Pasquale? Esper- 
ance attempted to question Lorenzo further, but he 
only shook his head and declined to make any disclo- 



THE ABDUCTION. 



117 



sures. He, however, stipulated that his sister should 
not be informed of what had occurred, urging that 
there was no necessity of uselessly alarming her. 
Alarming her? What could he mean? Esperance 
grew more and more perplexed, and his conviction 
that he had met the stranger previously, increasing in 
strength, added to his anxiety and discomfort. 

For some hours Giovanni had kept his room and 
given no sign. What was he meditating? Was it 
possible that he was concocting some cunning plan by 
which to circumvent intervention and gain undisturbed 
possession of the girl who had so powerfully influ- 
enced his passions? Could it be that he was in some 
mysterious way associated with the strange peasant, 
whose sudden advent seemed of such ill omen? Es- 
perance thought of all these things and was infinitely 
tortured by them, but, one by one, he succeeded in 
dismissing them from his mind. Giovanni was cer- 
tainly under a potent spell that might lead him to 
the commission of any indiscretion, but he was at bot- 
tom a man of honor, and there was some chance that 
his better feelings might obtain the mastery of his 
mere physical inclinations. At any rate, Esperance 
felt that he could trust him for one night more at 
least. Perhaps in the morning he would awaken to a 
true sense of his position and acknowledge his error; 
he might even implore his friend's pardon, admit that 
he was right and consent to return to Kome, leaving 
the bewitching Annunziata in all her innocence and 
purity. Upon reflection Esperance decided that the 
stranger could be in nowise the associate or accom- 



118 



THE ABDUCTION. 



plice of the Viscount, for the latter had communicated 
with no one, had not even gone a dozen steps from 
the Solara cabin during his entire period of convales- 
cence. The idea of collision wa3 untenable. Espe- 
rance resolved to watch and wait. There was no telling 
what a few hours might bring forth; but at the 
worst he would fight; if he fell he would not regret 
it, and, if Giovanni perished at hi3 hands, his death 
would be due to his own headlong impulses and his 
blood, under the circumstances, could not be a dis- 
graceful, dishonorable stain. 

Towards nightfall old Pasquale Solara began to dis- 
play unwonted activity, showing, at the same time, 
signs of considerable agitation. He was yet uncom- 
municative and morose, spoke only at rare intervals; 
often he did not reply at all to the questions ad- 
dressed to him, and when he did answer it was only 
in gruff, snappish monosyllables. He went from place 
to place uneasily, frequently leaving the cabin and 
gazing peeringly and stealthily into the forest as if 
he expected some one or was looking for some secret 
signal known only to himself. He glanced at Lorenzo 
and Esperance suspiciously, seeking, as it were, to 
penetrate their very thoughts. When he encountered 
Annunziata, he examined her from head to foot with 
a strange mixture of satisfaction, anxiety and tremu- 
lousness. At such times there was a greedy, wolfish 
expression in his glittering eyes, and his hands worked 
nervously. 

When twilight had given place to darkness, he 
suddenly left the hut and did not return. His un- 



THE ABDUCTION. 



119 



usual conduct had occasioned somewhat of a commo- 
tion in the little household, but quiet reigned after 
his departure and his singular behavior was speedily 
forgotten by his children. Not so, however, with Es- 
p^rance. The young man, agitated as he was with 
the turmoil of his own feelings, could not get old Pas- 
quale and his behavior out of his mind. It filled him 
with sinister forebodings and made him look forward 
to the night with an indefinable dread, not unmingled 
with absolute fear. It seemed to him that the old 
shepherd was meditating some dark and desperate 
deed, that would be put into execution with disastrous 
results ere dawn. 

The evening, nevertheless, passed without incident, 
and in due. course sleep brooded over the Solara cabin, 
wrapping all its inmates in silence and repose. All its 
inmates? All save the son of Monte-Cristo, who 
tossed restlessly upon his couch and could not close 
his eyes. At length, however, he managed to calm 
himself somewhat and was just sinking into a sort of 
half slumber when he was suddenly roused by a wild, 
far echoing cry that caused him to leap instantly from 
his bed. The cry was a woman's, and he thought he 
recognized the voice of Annunziata Solara. A second's 
thought seemed to satisfy him on this point, for the 
flower-girl was the only female in the vicinity and the 
voice was certainly hers; but' it sounded from a dis- 
tance, without the cabin, and this fact bewildered him. 
Promptly old Solara's conduct returned to his mind, 
and instinctively he connected the morose shepherd 
with the cry and whatever was happening. The young 



120 



THE ABDUCTION. 



man had not removed his garments; it was, therefore, 
only the work of an instant for him to grasp his pis- 
tol, which he kept loaded beneath his pillow, and rush 
from the hut in the direction of the cry, which had 
been repeated, but was growing fainter and fainter. 

As he emerged from the cabin, he heard a shot 
echo through the forest, and almost immediately a 
man rushed into his arms, bleeding profusely from a 
gaping wound in the temple. The night was moonless 
and dark, but in the feeble and uncertain light Espe- 
rance recognized Lorenzo. 

"My sister — my sister — poor Annunziata! " the 
young peasant gasped, painfully. " Your friend — ab- 
ducted — gone! Oh! my God!" and he sank to the 
ground an unconscious mass, quivering in the final 
agonies of dissolution. 

Esperance was horror-stricken. Annunziata abducted 
by Giovanni ! He could draw no other conclusion from 
the young peasant's broken exclamations ! Lorenzo 
slain, too, and doubtlessly also by the impetuous Vis- 
count's hand ! Oh ! it was horrible ! — it was almost be- 
yond belief! He bent over Lorenzo's prostrate form, 
straightened it out and felt in the region of the heart; 
there was no beat; it was as he had divined — Annun- 
ziata's manly and generous brother was dead — the 
victim of a cowardly, treacherous assassin — and that 
assassin! — oh! he could not think of it and retain his 
faith in men! 

Esperance left Lorenzo's corpse lying upon the 
sward, and, pistol in hand, started forward to go to 
Annunziata' s aid, to rescue her from her dastardly 



THE ABDUCTION. 



121 



abductor, if it lay within his power to do so. He reach- 
ed the forest and plunged into its sombre depths. 
Scarcely had he gone twenty feet when a man carry- 
ing a flaming torch rushed wildly by him, in his 
shirt sleeves, hatless, his short, thick gray hair 
standing almost erect upon his head. In the sudden 
flash of light his haggard eyes blazed like those of a 
maniac. In his left hand he held a long, keen-bladed 
knife. He glanced neither to the right nor the left, 
but kept straight on, as if he were a ferocious blood- 
hound in pursuit of human prey. Espdrance came to 
an abrupt pause, and stared with wide-open eyes at 
the startling apparition. It was old Pasquale Solara! 
The son of Monte-Cristo shuddered as he thought 
that the father, with all his Italian ferocity thoroughly 
aroused, was in pursuit of the man who had abducted 
his daughter and murdered his son. In that event 
the Viscount's death was sure, for he could not escape 
the vengeance of the distracted and remorseless shep- 
herd! Should he raise his voice and warn him? No, 
a thousand times no ! Giovanni deserved death, and 
did the furious old man inflict it, he would be only 
advancing the just punishment of the outraged law ! 

Quickly resolving to follow in the footsteps § of Pas- 
quale Solara, Esperance dashed on, utterly regardless 
of the bushes and briars that impeded his progress 
and tore great rents in his garments. Soon excited 
voices reached him, then the noise of a violent 
struggle. He pushed rapidly forward, intent upon 
reaching the scene of conflict, where he did not doubt 
the hapless Annunziata would be found. Soon he 



122 



THE ABDUCTION. 



indistinctly saw two men engaged in a hand to hand 
strife. One was evidently Pasquale Solara, for a torch 
was smouldering on the ground half-extinguished by 
the damp moss, and the young man caught an occa- 
sional flash of a knife such as the shepherd had car- 
ried when he passed him, but beyond these circum- 
stances all was supposition, for the identity of the 
contending men could not be made out in the 
obscurity. 

Grasping his pistol tightly, Esperance was about 
declaring his presence when the figure of a man 
sprang up before him with the suddenness of a flash 
of lightning, seeming to emerge from the very ground 
at his feet. At that instant the torch gave a brilliant 
gleam and went out, but in that gleam Esperance 
recognized the man who opposed his progress as the 
strange peasant he had seen reading " Caesar's Commen- 
taries " the previous afternoon by the brook in the 
vicinity of the Solara cabin. Was he, too, mixed up 
in the abduction, and how? Again the suspicion 
returned to Esperance that he was the confederate, 
the accomplice of the Viscount Massetti. 

" Remain where you are ! " commanded the intruder, 
sternly , m "If you advance another step, the conse- 
quences be upon your own head ! " 

" Stand aside and let me pass ! 99 thundered the 
young man, presenting his pistol at his opponent's head. 
The other gave a low laugh, made a quick movement and 
Esperance's weapon went whirling swiftly through the 
air. Meanwhile the sounds of strife had ceased, and 
the almost impenetrable darkness of the forest effectu- 



THE ABDUCTION. 



123 



ally prevented the young man from distinguishing 
anything a yard- distant. As his pistol was hurled 
from his grasp he closed his fists tightly, set his teeth 
firmly together and made a frantic dash at the peas- 
ant. The latter leaped aside with surprising agility, 
vanishing instantaneously among the clustering trees. 
So sudden was his leap that Esperance, carried on by 
the strong impetus he had given himself, plunged 
wildly into a clump of bushes and fell headlong upon 
a thick growth of moss, the softness of which pre- 
vented him from sustaining even the slightest bruise. 
As he came in contact with the moss, his hand 
touched something cold that sent an icy shiver 
through him from head to foot. Instinctively he 
recognized the object as a human face, and passing his 
hand along he felt the body and limbs. Great heav- 
ens ! who was this ? Had another murder been done ? 
Would there ever be an end to the horrors and mys- 
teries of this dreadful night? The body was that of 
a man. Esperance arose to his knees and drawing a 
match-safe from his pocket struck a light. As the 
flame flashed upon the countenance of the unconscious 
man, the features of Giovanni Massetti appeared! Es- 
perance was stunned. How was this? The Viscount 
there, beneath his hand, cold and motionless! Who 
then could have been the individual with whom old 
Pasquale Solara had been struggling but a moment 
since? Truly the mysteries of this night were becom- 
ing too complicated for solution ! And where was the 
unfortunate Annunziata? Had she escaped from her 
captor or captors, had she been rescued, had she per- 



124 



THE ABDUCTION. 



ished like her ill-fated brother, or had the abduction 
been successfully accomplished ? None of these questions 
could Esperance answer. One thing, however, was 
plain — there was no trace of her now; no clue that 
he could follow; therefore, further pursuit for the 
present was useless. Sadly he determined to wait for 
day and then resolve upon some plan to put into 
immediate execution to retrieve, as far as possible the 
great wrong that had been done. 

But Giovanni must be attended to. Guilty or inno- 
cent, dead or alive, he could not be abandoned wheje 
he was. Humanity demanded that some effort be 
made in his behalf. Perhaps, too, if he were in a con- 
dition to speak, some key to the strange, bewildering 
and terrible transactions of the night might be ob- 
tained. Espdrance raised him in his arms and carried 
him to the brook near the Solara cabin. By this 
time the moon had arisen and in its silvery rays he 
examined him thoroughly. There was no trace of 
blood, no wound ; only a large bruise on his forehead, 
as if he had been struck with some heavy object and 
knocked down unconscious. He was alive, for his heart 
was beating, and once or twice he had moved on the 
sward where Esperance had placed him. The young 
man made a cup of his hands, and, dipping some- cool 
water from the stream, dashed it in the Viscount's 
face. Instantly he opened his eyes, gazing about him 
in bewilderment. He sat up and stared wildly at 
Esperance. 

"What is the matter? How came I here?" he 
asked, in astonishment. Then suddenly putting his 



THE ABDUCTION. 



125 



hand to the bruise on his forehead, as if it pained 
him, he continued: "Ah ! yes ! I jemember it all now! 
Luigi Vampa struck me!" 

" Luigi Vampa struck you ? " cried Esperance, more 
amazed than ever. 

u Yes ; after he had forced me to take a fearful oath 
to remain silent ! " 

"Silent about what? The abduction of Annunziata 
Solara?" 

" Hush ! hush ! Do not mention that girl's name ! 
Vampa or some of his men may be lurking in the 
vicinity and hear ! " 

" What has become of her ? At least tell me that ! 
You know ! " 

" As God is my judge, I do not ! " 

"Were you not with her to-night? Did you not 
forcibly take her from the cabin ? " 

" No ! no ! " 

"Who did then?" 

"Alas! my oath compels silence on that point ! " 

" Your oath ! That is a very convenient excuse ! 
Giovanni, Luigi Vampa was not here to-night." 

" He was. He lurked around the cabin all day, that 
when darkness came he might commit the blackest 
deed that ever sullied the record of mankind ! " 

Instantly Esperance recollected the peasant he had 
met that afternoon beside the brook, the man who, but 
a short while before, had opposed his passage and dis- 
armed him in the forest. His vague familiarity with 
his voice, face and dress was now accounted for. The 
man was Luigi Vampa. There could be no doubt of 



126 



THE ABDUCTION. 



it. But why had he abducted Annunziata Solara, as 
Giovanni's words would seem to infer? Why, save 
as the confederate and accomplice of the Viscount 
Massetti? Eut then how had Giovanni communicated 
with him, and in what manner had they contrived to 
arrange the details of their dishonorable plot ? Was 
it possible that old Pasquale had been the medium of 
correspondence between the two men. Had he been base 
enough to sell his child? In that case, with whom 
had he fought so fiercely and desperately in the 
forest ? Why also had the brigand chief sworn Gio- 
vanni to silence ? Vain questions, admitting of no 
satisfactory replies. The Viscount's story was incredi- 
ble ; it was, without doubt, a mere fabrication intended 
to cover and conceal his own guilt in the premises. 
Still Esperance could not reconcile this theory with 
the fact of finding Giovanni senseless in the forest. 

The young Italian had by this time fully recovered 
from the effects of the shock he had received. He 
arose to his feet, and, approaching Esperance, said, 
earnestly : 

" My friend, let the past be forgotten. I was wrong 
and you were right. I ask your pardon. As to the 
abduction of this unfortunate girl, I assure you that I 
am entirely innocent of it ! " 

" But who fired the shot that killed Lorenzo ? " 
asked Esperance, sternly. 

" Killed Lorenzo ! " cried Giovanni, with unmistaka- 
ble horror. "Was Lorenzo killed ?" 

" He was shot to-night and died in my arms ! " 

" Oh ! this is terrible ! " exclaimed the Viscount, 



THE ABDUCTION. 



127 



beads of cold perspiration breaking out upon his fore- 
head. " I assure you, Esperance, I had no hand in 
this foul murder — I knew nothing of it ! I did hear 
the report of a pistol, but who discharged the weapon 
or at whom it was fired I could not tell. Everything 
seemed like a disordered dream ! " 

As Esperance said not a word in reply, the Vis- 
count continued: 

" Again I assert my innocence of the dark crimes 
that have been committed to-night! Do you not be- 
lieve my protestation ? " 

" I know not what to believe," answered the young 
man. " But I will not consider you guilty until you 
are proved so." 

" Then," cried Giovanni, joyously, " I have a propo- 
sition to make to you. Swear that you will be silent 
about everything that has occurred since we met 
Annunziata Solara in the Piazza del Popolo, including 
ihe terrible events of to-night, and I will start with 
you for Eome this very instant ! " 

" And you will renounce your pursuit of the flower- 
girl?" 

" I will renounce it ! " 

" Do you swear to do so ? " 

" I swear it ! " 

" Then, on my side, I here take the oath of silence 
you require ! " 

" You forgive me for having quarreled with you ? " 
" I forgive you ! " 

" Then let us leave this accursed spot without 
another moment's delay!" 



128 



THE ABDUCTION". 



" So be it ! " 

They hastily quitted the bank of the little stream 
and went to the cabin to prepare for their immedi- 
ate departure. As they passed the spot where Lor- 
enzo's body had lain, Esperance noticed with a start 
that it was no longer there. They entered the cabin. 
It was dark and deserted. Esperance lighted a candle 
and, as he did so, perceived a scrap of paper upon the 
floor. He stooped mechanically and picked it up. It 
was rumpled as if it had been crushed in the hand 
and cast away. The young man straightened it out. 
It was a brief letter. He held it to the candle and, 
with a sickening sensation at his heart, read as 
follows : 

Dearest Annunziata: All is prepared. We will 
fly to-night. Be ready. Tonio. 

The note was in Massetti's handwriting. Esperance 
silently" passed it to him. The Viscount read it with 
eyes bulging from their sockets, his fingers trembling 
so he could scarcely hold the paper. 

"The evidence is conclusive !" said Esperance, icily, 
as Massetti finished reading. "It is a confession! 
You abducted Annunziata Solara!" 

" What can I say to justify myself?'' cried Giovanni, 
bitterly. "Oh! that accursed oath!" 

"And you have sworn me to silence, also, wretched 
man!" said Esperance. "Why was I so weak!" 

He looked scornfully at the Viscount, who stood 
with bowed head. Then he added: 



THE ABDUCTION. 



129 



"I understand you now! You did not wish, me to 
betray you, to set the hounds of Justice on your track, 
to cause you to be punished, branded and disgraced! 
You were shrewd and imposed upon me. But my 
oath is sacred — I will keep it! Let us return to 
Home at once as we originally proposed. There I will 
challenge you in due form for an alleged insult, and 
we will settle this matter at the pistol's mouth ! " 

In a few moments more they were on their road to 
the Eternal City, leaving behind them the cabin into 
which they had brought ruin and death! 
8 



130 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



CHAPTEE X. 

THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



ROME was agitated by a vague scandal, so vague, in 
fact, that nobody seemed to know the precise 
details. It bad arisen from a newspaper account, given 
in the indefinite, unsatisfactory way characteristic of 
Eoman journalism. One of the city journals had 
published the statement that a young and very 
handsome peasant girl, living with her father in the 
country beyond the Trastavere, had recently been ab- 
ducted, report said, by a youthful member of the 
Eoman aristocracy ; that the reckless scion of nobility 
had courted and won her in the guise of a peasant, had 
carried her off to a bandit fastness and there had 
eventually deserted her. No names were given. Inquiry 
at the office of the journal elicted the fact that the 
proprietors had undoubted authority for the publica- 
tion of the statement, but no further information could 
be gained from them. A few days later, however, the 
same newspaper gave the further particulars that the 
nobleman had been assisted in effecting the abduction 
by a young foreigner residing in Eome, and that the 
brother of the unfortunate girl had been killed in 
attempting to rescue her. That completed all the intel- 
ligence ever vouchsafed to the public in regard to the 
mysterious affair, and thereafter the journal maintained 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 131 



an unbroken silence respecting the matter. The rumor 
ran that its proprietors had been bribed by interested 
parties to say nothing further, but this rumor could 
not be traced to any reliable source and was, therefore, 
by many considered a fabrication. No steps were 
taken by the authorities in the premises, and it was 
evident that the affair was to be allowed to die out. 
Still Eoman society was considerably excited, conjec- 
tures as to the identity of the guilty party and his 
accomplice being rife in all the fashionable and aristo- 
cratic quarters of the city. These conjectures, however, 
did not grow to positive statements, though insidious 
hints were thrown out that those who guessed the 
Viscount Giovanni Massetti to be the culprit were not 
far out of the way. Massetti, it was .known, had been 
absent from Eome for several days about the period 
the abduction was supposed to have taken place, but 
he did not deign to notice the hints current in regard 
to himself and no one was hardy enough to question 
him. Nevertheless some color was given to the 
rumors concerning him by the fact that, immediately 
on his return to the city, after the absence above re- 
ferred to, he became involved in a violent quarrel with 
a young Frenchman, generally supposed to be Esper- 
ance, the son of Monte-Cristo, who at once challenged 
him to a duel, but the duel was not fought for some 
reason not made public, the difference between the 
two fiery youths having been arranged through 
the mediation of mutual friends. It was observed, 
however, and widely commented upon that, although 
the twain had previously been almost inseparable com- 



132 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



panions, Esperance after this quarrel studiously avoided 
the Viscount Massetti, refraining from even mentioning 
his name. 

Meanwhile at Civita Vecchia another act in the 
drama of Annunziata Solara's clouded life had been 
played. In that city was located a famous asylum for 
unfortunate women, founded and managed by a 
French lady of enormous wealth and corresponding 
benevolence, Madame Helena de Eancogne, the Countess 
of Monte-Cristo * This lady was untiring in her efforts 
to reclaim and rehabilitate the fallen of her sex. She 
was the Superior of the Order of Sisters of Eefuge, the 
members of which were scattered throughout Europe, 
but made their headquarters at the asylum in Civita 
Vecchia, where a sufficient number of them constantly 
aided Madame de Eancogne in carrying out her good 
and philanthropic work. 

The Eefuge, as the asylum was called, was a vast 
edifice of gray stone with a sombre and cloister-like 
look. Over the huge entrance door on a tablet of pol- 
ished metal this sentence was incrusted in conspicuous 
letters of black: "Be Not Led to Consider Any Un- 
worthy!" It was an utterance of the Countess of 
Monte-Cristo in the past and had been adopted as the 
guiding rule and maxim of the Order of Sisters of 
Eefuge. The interior of the building in no way 
corresponded with its gloomy, forbidding outside, Tall, 
wide windows freely admitted the ardent rays of the 

* For a full account of the life and career of " The Countess of Monte- 
Cristo," see that powerful, romantic and absorbing novel, "The Countess 
of Monte-Cristo," published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia. 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE -CRISTO. 133 



glowing Italian sun, flooding the corridors and apart- 
ments with cheerful light and warmth. Crimson hang- 
ings and magnificently wrought tapestry of fabulous 
price adorned the walls, while costly and beautiful 
statues and paintings, the work of old masters and 
contemporaneous artists, added to the attractiveness of 
the numerous salons and drawing-rooms. The great 
refectory and the dormitories possessed charms of 
their own, bright colors everywhere greeting the eye 
and nothing being allowed that could inspire or pro- 
mote melancholy moods or painful thoughts. There 
was an immense library, to which all the inmates of 
the Eefuge had free access. It was sumptuously fur- 
nished, and the floor was covered with a gorgeous 
Turkey carpet, so thick and soft that footsteps made 
no sound upon it, while the brilliant figures of tropi- 
cal flowers profusely studding it gave the impression 
of eternal summer. Desks abundantly supplied with 
writing materials, tables loaded with the latest news- 
papers and periodicals in all the languages of Eu- 
rope, luxurious sofas and inviting fauteuils allured 
those succored by the Countess of Monte-Cristo and 
her vigilant aids. On every side the library was 
surrounded with book -cases, containing absorbing 
romances, volumes of travel, the productions of the 
celebrated poets, histories and essays, with a liberal 
sprinkling of religious works, mostly non-sectarian 
and invariably of a consolatory character. In addition 
elegantly and thoroughly equipped work-rooms were 
provided, in which those who were so inclined could 
practice embroidery, sew or manufacture the thousand 



134 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



and one little fancy knick-knacks at winch female 
fingers are so skilful. Nothing, however, was compul- 
sory, the main object being to afford the inmates of the 
Refuge agreeable occupation, to elevate them and to pre- 
vent them from looking back regretfully to the agita- 
ted lives they had led and the vices that had held 
empire over them in the past. Truly a more generous, 
unselfish lover of her sex than the noble Countess of 
Monte- Cristo did not exist. 

The protegees of the Sisters of the Order of Refuge 
embraced women of all ages, all nationalities and all 
conditions in life. They included Parisian grisettes 
and lorettes, recruited by Nini Moustache in her co- 
quettish apartment of the Chaussee d' Antin, for 
Nini had proved a most effective missionary ; young 
girls, who had fallen a prey to designing roues and 
been abandoned to the whirl of that gulf of destruc- 
tion, the streets of Paris; Spanish senoritas, who had 
listened too credulously to the false vows of faithless 
lovers ; Italian peasant girls, whose pretty faces and 
charms of person had been their ruin; unfortunate 
German, English, Dutch and Scandinavian maidens; 
and even brands snatched from the burning in Russia, 
Turkey and Greece. This somewhat diverse commu- 
nity dwelt together in perfect sisterly accord, chastened 
by their individual misfortunes, encouraged and up- 
held in the path of reform by the Countess of Monte- 
Cristo, who was to all the unfortunates as a tender, 
thoughtful and considerate mother. 

One quiet night, just as darkness had settled down 
over the streets of Civita Vecchia, a timid knock at 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



135 



the entrance door of the Eefuge aroused the portress 
on duty there. Such knocks were often heard and 
well understood. The portress arose from her bench, 
partly opened the door and admitted a trembling 
young girl, whose crouching and shrunken form was 
clad in a mass • of tattered rags. A thin red cloak 
was thrown over her shoulders, and her pale, emacia- 
ted face spoke plainly of poverty, hardship and suffer- 
ing. Even Giovanni Massetti would have with difficulty 
recognized in this wretched outcast the once shapely 
and beautiful flower-girl of the Piazza del Popolo, for 
the applicant at the Eefuge door was no other than 
the ill-fated Annunziata Solara. Her beauty had 
faded away like a summer dream, vanished as the 
perfume from a withered hyacinth. She stood before 
the portress silently, with clasped hands, the incarna- 
tion of misery, distress and desertion* 

"What do you require, my poor child?" asked the 
portress, tenderly and sympathetically. 

"Shelter, only shelter!" replied the girl, beseech- 
ingly, in a hollow, broken voice, the ghost of her 
former full and joyous tones. 

"The Superior must decide upon your case," said 
the portress. "You shall go to her at once." 

The woman touched a bell, directing the Sister of 
the Order of Eefuge who answered it to conduct the 
applicant to the apartment of Madame de Eancogne. ' 
The trembling Annunziata was led through a long 
corridor and ushered into a small, but cosy office in 
which sat an elderly lady of commanding and aristo- 
cratic presence, whose head was covered with curls of 



136 THE COUNTESS OF MONTE -CRISTO. 



silver hair, and whose still handsome countenance 
wore an expressive look in which compassion and 
benevolence predominated. This lady was the cele- 
brated Madame Helena de Kancoene, whose adventures 
and exploits as the Countess of Monte- Cristo had in 
the past electrified every European nation. She arose 
as Annunziata entered, welcoming her with a cordial, 
comforting smile. 

"Sit down, my child," she said, in a rich, melodious 
voice. "You are fatigued. Are you also hungty?" 

Annunziata sank into the chair offered her, cover- 
ing her face with her thin hands. 

"Alas! signora," she replied, faintly, "I have walked 
many weary miles and have not tasted a morsel of 
food since dawn I" 

"Take the poor child to the refectory," said the 
Countess to the Sister, who had remained standing 
near the door. "After her hunger has been appeased, 
I will see her again and question her." 

Half an hour later, Annunziata, refreshed and 
strengthened by her meal, once more sat in the office 
with the Countess of Monte- Cristo. 

"My child," said the latter, "what is your name?" 

"Annunziata Solar a." 

"You have applied for shelter here the portress in- 
forms me. Do you know that this is an asylum for 
the fallen of your sex?" 

"I know it, signora; that is the reason I came." 

"Have 3^ou repented of your sin and do you desire 
to lead a better life?" 

"I have repented bitterly," answered the girl, burst- 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 137 



ing into a flood of tears, "oh! how bitterly God alone 
knows! I wish to hide myself from the world; I 
wish to atone for my shame by whatever good action 
my hands can find to do." 

"It is well," said the Countess, her eyes lighting 
up with enthusiasm. "The field is wide, and the 
Order of Sisters of Eefuge, although large, is always 
open for new additions. Much good has already been 
done, but more remains to be accomplished, infinitely 
more. You shall be received and given an opportu- 
nity to share in the great work." 

"From the depths of my soul I thank you!" sob- 
bed the girl. "I will try earnestly to be worthy of 
your benevolence!" 

" Tell me your story now," said the Superior. " I 
cannot believe that the guilt was altogether yours." 

"I am grateful, signora, for those words. I was 
thoughtless and indiscreet, but not criminal. Happy 
and contented in my humble peasant home, I was 
pure and innocent. I knew nothing of the wicked- 
ness of men, of the snares set to entrap unwary young 
girls. I lived with my father and brother in the 
vicinity of Eome, selling flowers in that city from 
time to time. I had never had a suitor, never had a 
lover. My heart was free, filled with the joyousness 
of youth. I had been told that I possessed a fair 
share of beauty, but that neither made me vain nor 
inclined me to coquetry. Oh ! signora, I shall never 
be so happy again!" 

Emotion overcame her and her tears started afresh. 
The Countess soothed her and she continued : 



138 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



"One fatal night, my brother brought two strange 
young men to our cabin. They appeared to be peas- 
ants like ourselves, and one of them had been wound- 
ed in a fight with a brigand. They remained with 
us for some days. I nursed the wounded man, w r ho, 
when he grew convalescent, made love to me. I list- 
ened to his ardent declarations, submitted to his 
endearments. I grew to love him in my turn, and, 
oh! signora, I believed in him, trusted him. At that 
period I had nothing to reproach myself with, and 
Tonio, that was my admirer's name, seemed sincerity 
itself. One day he asked me to fly with him, but 
our conversation was interrupted and I gave him no 
answer. I was confused, I did not know what to do. 
That evening I received a letter from him — I found 
it on the table in the room I occupied, concealed be- 
neath my work-box — telling me that everything was 
prepared for our flight that night, and asking me to 
be in readiness. I was terrified. I could not under- 
stand why he wished me to fly with him if every- 
thing was as it should be, as my father and brother 
would not have objected to any proper suitor for my 
hand on whom I had bestowed my heart. For the 
first time I was suspicious of Tonio, and I resolved to 
pay no attention to his letter. On the morrow I 
would see him and tell him to speak to my father 
and brother. Alas! that opportunity was not given 
me. Oh ! that horrible, horrible night ! " 

She covered her face with her hands and shuddered. 
When she looked up she was ghastly pale, and her 
voice quivered as she resumed: 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



139 



"That dreadful night, as I lay upon my bed, wrap- 
ped in slumber, I was suddenly aroused by hearing 
some one in my chamber. It was very dark and I 
could not see the intruder. I started up in terror, 
but a hand was placed firmly over my mouth. I was 
torn from my bed and borne in a man's arms from 
the cabin. I struggled to release myself, but in vain. 
My abductor appeared to possess the strength of a 
giant. There was no moon, but in the dim starlight 
I could see that the man was masked. He hastened 
with me into the neighboring forest. There he acci- 
dentally struck his right arm against the trunk of a 
tree and his hand dropped from my mouth. Instantly 
I uttered a loud, piercing cry, but the hand went 
back to its place again almost immediately, and I 
was unable to give vent to another sound. My cry, 
however, had been heard by my brother, who hast- 
ened to my assistance. He overtook my abductor in 
the forest, and, though unarmed, at once attacked him. 
The man dropped me and turned upon my brother. 
A fierce struggle ensued, during which the mask was 
struck from my abductor's face and, to my horror, I 
thought I recognized Tonio. Suddenly there was a 
report of a pistol. I had watched the conflict, unable 
to move. I saw my brother stagger; blood was gush- 
ing from him. I could endure no more; I fell to the 
ground in a swoon. 

"When I recovered my senses, I was in a strange 
hut. Savage looking men, whom I took to be ban- 
dits, were guarding me. How long I remained in the 
hut I do not know, but it must have been several 



140 THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 

days. At times a masked man came to me, telling 
me that he was Tonio and pressing his suit upon me. 
I refused to listen to him, upbraiding him for tearing 
me from my home and wounding my brother. I told 
him his conduct was not that of a lover, but of a 
villain. I implored him, if he possessed a spark of 
manhood, to set me free, to send me to my father. 
He informed me that I was his captive and should so 
remain until I yielded to his wishes. I repulsed him 
with scorn, with the energy of desperation. Ultimately 
he overpowered me by sheer force, and compelled me 
to yield. Then I saw him no more. I wandered about 
the hut like one demented. My cup of sorrow was 
full to overflowing. I was in despair. Shame and 
degradation were henceforth my portion. 

" After my abductor's departure, a new comer ap- 
peared among the brigands. He seemed to be their 
chief. He expressed pity for me, and told me that 
my abductor was not a peasant, but a young Koman 
nobleman, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti. I cared 
nothing for this revelation. I had no thought of 
vengeance; my sole desire was to hide myself from the 
gaze of the world, to avoid the pitiless finger of 
scorn. Eventually the bandit chief took me back to 
my home. There I found my father, learning from 
his lips that my brother was dead. This intelligence 
made my sorrow utterly unbearable. My father was 
moody and morose. For days at a time he did not 
speak to me. He appeared to have lost all paternal 
affection. Finally I left the cabin. I had heard of 
the Eefuge and determined to seek its shelter. I 



THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. 141 

walked to Civita Vecchia, and to-night found myself 
at your door. Such, signora, is my sad history. I 
have told you the whole truth. You see I am not 
altogether to blame." 

As Annunziata concluded, the Countess of Monte- 
Cristo drew her upon her bosom. 

"My poor girl," said she, in tender, pitying tones, 
"you have, indeed, tasted the bitterness of life and 
have been more sinned against than sinning. But 
you are my daughter now. The Sisterhood of the 
Order of Refuge has covered you with its protecting 
shield." 



142 



THE BEGGAK AND HIS MATES. 



CHAPTER XI. 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 

YEAR had'elasped since the events already re- 



i\ corded. Zuleika, having finished her studies 
at the convent school of the Sisterhood of the Sacred 
Heart, the Count of Monte-Cristo had quitted Rome 
and, with his family, was established in Paris in the 
palatial mansion, No. 27 Rue du Helder, formerly oc- 
cupied by the Count de Morcerf. He was a member 
of the Chamber of Deputies, representing Marseilles, 
and was wedded to his first love, Mercedes, who had 
mysteriously reappeared and nursed him through a 
severe illness, which was immediately followed by 
their marriage. The revolution of 1848, which had 
placed M. Lamartine at the head of the Provisional 
Government, had put power and office within his 
grasp, but he had declined both, prefering to work in 
the wider field of universal human freedom. His em- 
inent services during the revolution had rendered him 
immensely popular with the masses, and the fame of 
his matchless eloquence added to the vast influence 
he so modestly wielded. His colossal wealth, which 
he lavishly used to promote the great cause he cham- 
pioned, also tended to make him a conspicuous figure 
in the political and high social circles of the capital, 
though he strove to court retirement. 




THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



143 



Zuleika and Esperance fairly adored their mild, 
kindly stepmother, who, on her side, was as devotedly 
attached to them as if they had been her own chil- 
dren. The Count noted this mutual attachment, 
which time only served to strengthen, and it filled 
his heart with joy and gratification. The family was, 
indeed, a happy one, and even the servants shared 
the general felicity. 

Mile, d' Armilly's influence over Captain Joliette, 
great as it undoubtedly was, had been insufficient to 
induce that gallant and honorable young soldier to 
seek a rupture with the wonderful man to whom he 
was so vastly indebted and whom he so highly re- 
vered. This had at first caused a coldness between 
the revengeful prima donna and her admirer, but a 
reconciliation had ultimately taken place between 
them and they were now man and wife. Prior to 
their marriage Mile, d* Armilly had acknowledged 
herself to be Eugenie Danglars, and thus the motive 
of her bitter hostility to the Count of Monte- Cristo 
was revealed. She had retired from the operatic 
stage, and had received a large sum of money, stated 
to be a legacy from her father, but generally believed 
to be a gift from the Count, intended by him in some 
degree to make amends to her for the sufferings she 
had endured by reason of his vengeance on the banker 
Danglars. The prima donna's brother Leon had 
turned out to be a woman masquerading in male at- 
tire, no other than Mile, d' Armilly herself, Eugenie's 
former music-teacher, who had loaned her name to 
her friend when the latter started on her operatic 



144 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



career. These transformations had "been immediately 
followed by another, Captain Joliette discarding his 
pseudonym and appearing as Albert de Morcerf. 
Paris had talked over and wondered at all this for a 
week, and then had completely forgotten it, turning 
its fickle attention to newer and more engrossing sen- 
sations. Alberts marriage and the legacy healed the 
breach between Eugenie and the Count of Monte- 
Cristo, and the young couple, together with the real 
Mile, d' Armilly, had been added to the happy 
family in the mansion of the Eue du Helder. 

The Yiscount Giovanni Massetti had appeared in 
Paris. Immediately after his reckless visit to Zuleika 
in the convent garden and his wild interview with 
her there, he had gone to the Count of Monte- Cristo, 
avowed his love for Hay dee's child and solicited her 
hand in marriage. He had been told to wait a year, 
a period he had passed he scarcely knew how, but it 
had been an eternity to him, an eternity fraught with 
restless anxiety, with alternations between ardent 
hope and the depths of despair. The expiration of 
his probation found him in the mansion of the Eue 
du Helder, renewing his earnest, suit with the Count, 
who had granted him permission to win his daughter 
if he could. The young Italian had at once sought 
Zuleika, who had welcomed him as her lover and 
betrothed. Then a clash had suddenly arisen; Esper- 
ance had expressed his abhorrence of his sister's 
suitor, had given mysterious hints that had recalled 
the half-forgotten Eoman scandal, and a separation 
between Giovanni and Zuleika had ensued, the for- 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



145 



mer refusing to speak out and clear himself, pleading 
his terrible oath of silence. In the course of his 
vague, unsatisfactory disclosures, Esperance had un- 
guardedly mentioned the name of Luigi Vampa, and 
the Count of Monte- Cristo had written to the brigand 
chief, requesting such information as he possessed in 
regard to the impenetrable mystery. Yampa's reply 
had been a fearful arraignment of the youthful Vis- 
count, but Zuleika could not believe her lover the 
depraved and guilty wretch the brigand chief repre- 
sented him to be, asserting that there was something 
yet unexplained, something that would effectually ex- 
culpate him could it be reached. The Count of 
Monte-Cristo had at first inclined to the belief that 
Massetti was merely the victim of circumstances, of 
some remarkable coincidence, but Yampa's letter scat- 
tered this belief to the winds and he demanded that 
the Yiscount should conclusively prove his innocence. 
Zuleika had meanwhile banished her lover from her 
presence, but her heart yearned for him and defended 
him in spite of everything. She therefore sent him 
Yampa's letter, assuring him of her belief in his in- 
nocence and commanding him to prove it to her and 
to the world. Thereupon Giovanni had instantly 
quitted Paris. His sudden disappearance seemed like 
a flight; it caused scandal's thousand tongues to wag 
remorselessly; but, although he left no word for her, 
Zuleika knew her command had sent him to Italy to 
clear his name and record in her eyes; she was firmly 
convinced that she would see him a^rain, that he 
would return to Paris rehabilitated. 
9 



146 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



Such, was the general condition of affairs, as affect- 
ing the Monte-Cristo family, at the time the thread 
of this narrative is resumed. 

It was the month of July. The heat in Paris was 
intense, absolutely stifling; a white glow seemed to 
fall from the breezeless, yellow atmosphere, scorching 
the very pavements; for weeks there had been no 
rain, not the slightest sign of a cloud in the pitiless 
heavens. The streets were almost deserted; even that 
favored thoroughfare of fashion, the Eue de la Paix, 
boasted of but few promenaders ; the only spot in re- 
quest was the Bois de Boulogne, with its magnificent 
trees and deliciously shaded avenues; the Champs- 
Elysees, throughout its entire extent, from the Place 
de la Concorde to the Arc de V Etoile, was like a 
sun-swept desert, and its picturesque marchands de 
coco, with their shining mugs, snow-white aprons and 
tinkling bells, found only a limited demand for their 
liquorice water and lemon juice, while even the The- 
atres de Guignol failed to arrest the rare passers. 

In the vast garden of the Monte-Cristo mansion, 
notwithstanding its power elsewhere, the sun seemed 
to have been successfully defied; there the trees, 
shrubs and plants were not parched, but preserved all 
their freshness and beauty, suggesting the coolness of 
early spring rather than the sweltering heat of mid- 
summer, while the parterres were brilliant with gor- 
geous bloom and penetrating perfumes loaded the air. 
Near a little gate opening upon the Eue du Helder, 
early one morning, Zuleika and Mile, d' Armilly were 
sitting on a rustic bench beneath an ample honey- 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 147 



suckle-covered arbor. They "had come to the garden 
from the breakfast-room to rest and chat after their 
meal. The former music-teacher was telling her com- 
panion of her stage experience and of the many ad- 
ventures she had met with during her operatic career. 
In the midst of a most interesting recital, she sud- 
denly paused, fixing her eyes upon the little gate, 
with a cry of surprise and terror. Zuleika followed 
the direction of her glance and gave a start as she 
saw, leaning against the bars of the gate, a sinister- 
looking man, clad in dusty, tattered garments, who was 
peering at her companion and herself with eyes that 
glittered like those of some venomous serpent. When 
he noticed that he was observed, the man pulled a 
greasy, weather-stained cap from his head, disclosing 
a profusion of matted, whitened locks, and, stretching 
a grimy hand, with hooked fingers that resembled the 
claws of an enormous bird, through the bars, said, in 
the hoarse tones peculiar to the outcasts of the streets : 
" Charity, for the love of God!" 

The man seemed more like a thief than a beggar. 
Nevertheless, Mile, d ' Armilly, who was the first to 
recover her self-possession, drew a few sous from her 
pocket and advanced to place them in his palm. As 
she came closer to him, the mendicant acted very 
strangely. Instead of taking the money, he suddenly 
withdrew his hand, staring at Mile, d' Armilly with 
an expression of mingled terror and amazement upon 
his evil countenance. Then he quickly turned from the 
gate, thrust on his cap and started off at a rapid pace. 
Mile, d' Armilly also was singularly affected; she 



148 THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



dropped the sous, became ashy pale and would have 
fallen to the ground had not Zuleika sprung to her 
side and caught her in her arms. 

"What is the matter, Louise? " cried the girl, astonish- 
ed at the beggar's behavior and still more so at the 
effect he had produced upon her companion. 

"I have seen a ghost!" replied Mile. d' Armilly, in 
a startling whisper. 

"A ghost?" 

"Yes! Oh! let us quit the garden at once!" 
"The ghost of whom?" 

"I dare not say! Come, come, I cannot remain 
here another second! How fortunate that young 
Madame de Morcerf was not with us ! She would 
have been driven mad!" 

"Albert's wife? You talk wildly, Louise. What 
interest could she feel in that wretched outcast?" 

"What interest? Do not ask me. I cannot, I must 
not tell you! Oh! it is terrible!" 

"Will you tell Albert's wife of what you have 
seen?" 

"No! a thousand times no! She must not even 
suspect that man's return from the grave! I entreat 
you to say nothing to her or any one else!" 

"I shall be silent upon the subject; but that beggar 
was not a ghost; he was a most substantial reality. 
Something frightened him away, something, doubtless, 
that he saw in the street, perhaps a sergent de ville. 
Your recognition of him was fancied." 

"It was not fancied. But we must not stay here; 
I would not see that face, those eyes again for worlds ! " 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



149 



Zuleika took her friend's arm and walked with her 
towards the mansion, endeavoring as they went along 
to reassure her, to reason her out of her fright. Her 
efforts, however, proved altogether futile. Mile, d' 
Armilly was utterly unnerved and at once retired to 
her room. 

Notwithstanding her willingness to believe that 
Mile, d' Armilly had been deceived with regard to 
the identity of the beggar and, in her confusion, had 
confounded him with some one else, Zuleika could not 
altogether shake off a feeling of vague apprehension, of 
ill-defined terror when she thought over the singular 
conduct and wild agitation of the former music-teacher 
in the quiet and solitude of her own chamber. Why 
had Mile, d' Armilly been so stricken at the sight of 
the mendicant? Why had she so earnestly entreated 
her to say nothing of what had occurred to any one, 
and, especially, to avoid all mention of the matter to 
Albert de Morcerfs wife? Mile, d' Armilly had seen 
too much of the world to be frightened by a mere 
trifle. Was it possible that the ragged outcast had 
been in some way identified with young Madame de 
Morcerf 's operatic career, that he had been her lover? 
The latter supposition would furnish a plausible cause 
for the former music-teacher's terror, as the reappear- 
ance of a lover might lead to disclosures well-calculated 
to seriously disturb the happiness and tranquillity of 
the newly-made husband and wife. Zuleika had heard 
that Eugenie had been much courted during the period 
she was on the stage, that she had numbered her ar- 
dent admirers by scores, but this man seemed too old, 



150 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



too forlorn, to have recently been in a position to 
scatter wealth at the feet of a prima donna. Besides, 
Mile, d' Armilly had spoken of him as a ghost and 
had appeared to refer him to a period more remote. 
Zuleika had also heard of Mile. Danglars' broken 
marriage-contract away back in the past. Could this 
beggar be the scoundrel who had masqueraded under 
the assumed title of Prince Cavalcanti and had so nearly 
become her husband? Perhaps; but even if he were 
that unscrupulous wretch, what harm could his reap- 
pearance do at this late day, now that the old story had 
been thoroughly sifted and almost forgotten? Albert 
was well aware of all the details of the Cavalcanti episode, 
and it was hardly likely that anything further could 
be exposed that would disturb either him or his wife. 
No, the grimy, white-haired, sinister-looking stranger 
could not be the quondam Prince; he was some one 
else, some one more to be feared. But who was he, 
if not the miserable son of Villefort? Zuleika was 
more perplexed and disturbed than she was willing to 
admit, even to herself. If she could only speak with the 
Count of Monte-Cristo, tell him all, some explanation 
of the mystery might, doubtless, be obtained, an ex- 
planation that would, at least, calm her vague fears; 
but that was impossible; her promise to Mile, d' Ar- 
milly to be silent sealed her lips as effectually with 
her father as with young Madame de Morcerf. What- 
ever might be her fears, she would have to bear them 
alone, or, at the best, share them with Mile, d' Armilly, 
who, evidently, would give her no further satisfaction. 
Meanwhile the man who had caused all this trouble 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 151 



after having almost run quite a distance along the Eue 
du Helder, utterly oblivious of the attention he drew 
to himself from the rare passers, turned into the Eue 
Taitbout, thence reached the Eue de Provence and finally 
found himself in the Cite d ' Antin. There he made his 
way into a small drinking- shop or caboulot, patronized by 
some of the worst prowlers about that section of Paris. 
The room he entered was unoccupied save by a 
slatternly young woman, who sat behind the counter 
reading a greasy copy of the Gazette des Tribunaux. 
The man went to the counter and, throwing down 
the price, demanded a glass of brandy, which he 
swallowed at a gulp. Then he addressed the slatternly 
young woman, who, with her paper still in one hand, 
was half-smiling, half-scowling at him. 

"Is Waldmann here?" he asked, with the air of a 
man who feels himself thoroughly at home. 

"Yes," answered the young woman, resuming her 
seat and her reading; "he is in the back room, playing 
piquet with Peppino, Beppo and Siebecker." 

"Good!" said the man. "I am in luck. I scarcely 
expected to find them all in at this hour." 

With this he opened a glazed door, and, stepping 
into the back room, closed it behind him. The players, 
who were seated at a table, with mugs of beer beside 
them, glanced up quickly from their game as he came 
iti, and one of them, a heavy-framed, beetle-browed 
German, called out to him, speaking French: 

"How now, Bouche-de-Miel, what is the matter? 
You are out of breath and as pale as if you had 
been shadowed by an Agent de la Surety !" 



152 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



"I have not been shadowed, Waldmann," answered 
the beggar or Bouche-de-Miel, "but I have made a 
startling discovery." 

The players at once put down their cards and 
leaned forward to hear. They were a rough, desper- 
ate-looking set ; on their ill-omened and sunburnt vis- 
ages thief could be read as plainly as if it were writ- 
ten there, and perhaps, also, the still more significant 
word, assassin! Two of the men were Italians, evi- 
dently the Peppino and Beppo referred to by the 
slatternly young woman at the counter in the outer 
room. Besides Waldmann there was another German. 
This was Siebecker. Tall, slim, with yellow hair and 
moustache, he had some claim to good looks; his at- 
tire was quite respectable compared to that of the 
rest ; had he not possessed a pair of restless, demoniac 
eyes, he might have passed for a person of tolerably 
fair repute, but those glaring, tiger-like orbs betrayed 
his true character and stamped him as a very danger- 
ous member of the criminal fraternity. Waldmann 
appeared to be the leader of the coterie. The Italians 
wore blue blouses, but the distinctive garment of the 
Parisian workman could not conceal a certain bri- 
gandish air that was second nature to them. 

"Let's hear about your startling discovery, Bouche- 
de-Miel," said Waldmann. "Take a seat and tell us." 

The beggar dropped upon a wooden chest, saying, 
in a tone of deep dejection, as he did so: 

"Much as I long to take a hand in to-night's little 
job, I'm afraid you'll have to let me off!" 

"Stuff!" cried Waldmann. "You are afraid oi 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



153 



meeting that terrible fellow, the Count of Monte- 
Cristo! But the startling discovery — out with it, man!" 

"Yes; the discovery, the discovery!" demanded the 
others, impatiently. 

"Well," said Bouche-de-Miel, "I went to the Bue 
du Helder this morning, as agreed upon, and made a 
survey of Monte-Cristo's mansion. Nothing easier 
than to get in, as no watch is kept at night, and the 
Count is not in the least suspicious although he has 
millions of francs in his safe, to say not a word of 
jewels and other valuables. As I was about leaving 
the premises, I stopped at a little gate giving access 
to the garden from the street, having noticed that the 
key had been carelessly left in the lock on the out- 
side. I was leaning against the gate, taking a wax 
impression of this key, which would assure us en- 
trance without trouble, when, happening to glance 
through the grating into the garden, I saw two 
women; they had noticed me and seemed greatly 
frightened. Instantly I thrust my hand through the 
bars and asked for charity. One of the women sum- 
moned up sufficient courage to arise and approach 
me; she was about to give me some money, when 
suddenly she recognized me in spite of all the changes 
in my appearance. I also recognized her and hast- 
ened away as rapidly as I could." 

"Well, what of all this?" said Waldmann, calmly, 
"It amounts to nothing whatever." 

"It amounts to so much that I cannot go with, you 
to Monte-Cristo's house and run the risk of meeting 
that woman!" 



154 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



Waldmann gave vent to a loud laugh; the others 
smiled. 

"I never before heard of a Frenchman who was 
afraid to meet a woman!" said Siebecker, much 
amused. 

"I tell you I cannot go; you must let me off," 
said Bouche-de-Miel, obstinately. 

"What!" cried Peppino. "Do you allow a woman 
to stand between you and your vengeance against the 
Count of Monte- Cris to ? Remember Luigi Vampa's 
bill of fare!" 

Bouche-de-Miel glared at the Italian savagely. 

"There is no need for me to remember it," returned 
he, bitterly. "I have never forgotten it. fes either 
have I forgotten your share in that infamous busi- 
ness!" he added, between his teeth. 

"It was my duty to do as I was bidden!" retorted 
Peppino. 

"I will have my revenge on you yet!" muttered 
Bouche-de-Miel, menacingly. 

"We shall see!" answered the Italian, defiantly. 

Waldmann interposed and said, sternly: 

"No quarreling! We are brothers and are united 
for mutual gain. Bouche-de-Miel, you must go with 
us to-night. I order you to go and will take no 
excuse! Besides, if, as Peppino says, you have venge- 
ance to gratify against the Count of Monte- Cristo, the 
opportunity is too precious for you to neglect it ! At 
any rate, go you shall! Where is the wax impression 
of the key?" 

Bouche-de-Miel handed the German a small package 



THE BEGGAR AND HIS MATES. 



155 



which he took from his pocket-. Waldmann gave it 
to Siebecker, directing him to fashion a key in ac- 
cordance with it. In the meantime the beggar had 
been thinking. His face showed that a fierce struggle 
was taking place in his mind, a struggle between fear 
and a burning desire for revenge. The latter ulti- 
mately triumphed, and the beggar, rising from the 
chest, went to the table, bringing his fist down upon 
it with a resounding blow. 

"I will accompany you, mates!" he said, with wildly 
flashing eyes and in an excited voice. "Monte-Cristo 
robbed me, ruined me and drove me into the world a 
penniless vagrant! I will have my revenge!" 

" Spoken like a hero!" said Waldmann, enthusiasti- 
cally. "We will meet at the little gate on the Eue 
du Helder at midnight. Siebecker will give you the 
key, Bouche-de-Miel, and you will open the gate. 
You need not fear recognition, even if you should 
meet the woman you have spoken of face to face, for 
you will be masked like the rest of us. If you are 
anxious about her safety, I will tell you now that we 
only want Monte-Cristo's millions; we do not mean 
murder." 

"But what if murder should be necessary, if it 
cannot be avoided?" 

Waldmann shrugged his shoulders. 

"Then we must protect ourselves," he answered, 
phlegmatically. 

Thereupon the coterie of miscreants separated, to 
pass away the hours as best they might, until the 
time for the brilliant stroke they meditated arrived. 



156 



FATHER. AND DAUGHTER. 



CHAPTEE XII. 

FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 

THE Count of Monte-Cristo was in his study, pac- 
ing to and fro; lie was plunged in thought, and 
an expression indicative of deep concern was upon his 
pale, but resolute countenance. Ever and anon he 
would pause in front of a small table on which was 
a telegraphic outfit for the sending and receiving of 
messages, listening with close attention to the sounds 
given forth, for, although sound reading was not much 
practiced by the telegraphers of that period, Monte- 
Cristo, who seemed to have all the accomplishments 
of his own age and those of ages to come, was a 
proficient at it, as well as a remarkably rapid and 
correct operator. 

It was nearly midnight. The entire family in the 
mansion of the Eue du Helder had retired to rest, with 
the exception of its head, who had remained up in 
response to a summons from Berlin to be ready to re- 
ceive the details of a secret meeting of a vast society 
of Prussian patriots, which would be sent to him in 
cipher by one of his most enthusiastic and active 
agents for the promotion of the cause of universal 
human liberty. The intense heat that had prevailed 
all day had been but slightly moderated by the advent 
of a close, sultry night ; there was not the faintest breeze 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 



157 



in the heavy, oppressive air, and the blue sky, full 
of stars and flooded with brilliant moonlight, was 
without a cloud. The silvery brightness poured in 
through the open windows of the study, so illumina- 
ting the apartment that the Count had extinguished 
his lamp. Fantastic shadows were projected on the 
floor by the book- cases and various articles of 
furniture, looking like gigantic and dwarfed shapes 
of demons and elfs and lending the scene a weird, 
supernatural aspect. Monte-Cristo walked amid these 
distorted shadows like some master magician commu- 
ning with the dark, mysterious spirits that received 
his commands in silence and then vanished to execute 
them without question or debate. 

The Count's thoughts were of a sombre nature; he 
was pondering over the problem of French freedom, 
wondering how long the volatile, changeful nation 
with which he had cast his lot would retain the lib- 
erty acquired by the revolution that had overturned 
Louis Philippe's throne and given the people power. 
He distrusted the events of the near future. Already 
the Bonapartists were active and Louis Napoleon was 
looming up as a formidable figure. The nephew of 
the great conqueror of Europe professed republican 
sentiments, but Monte-Cristo doubted his sincerity as 
well as his ability to govern the restless population 
of Paris. Pie foresaw imitation of the famous Em- 
peror; his prophetic eye pierced through Louis Na- 
poleon's presidential aspirations and saw beyond them 
a second Empire not less brilliant but not more sub- 
stantial than the first. The policy of the Bonapartes 



158 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 



was to dazzle the masses, the men of the barricades, 
by a show of grandeur and amuse rather than force 
them into submission. The Count had held aloof 
from Louis Napoleon, had even opposed him to the 
full extent of his mighty influence ; he had done so 
not from any personal considerations, but for the good 
of the entire French people, for the preservation in- 
tact of the fabric of freedom, the fruit of the revolu- 
tion of 1848. 

Meanwhile, as these thoughts coursed through 
Monte- Cristo's active brain, the telegraphic instrument 
went ticking steadily on, but the information he ex- 
pected was not conveyed. News flashed to him from 
every centre of political agitation save Berlin; there 
an obstinate, ominous silence prevailed. Several times 
he sought to open communication with his confederate 
in the Prussian capital, but his signals were unan- 
swered. At last he paused wearily in his walk, 
throwing himself in a huge arm-chair; fatigue weighed 
upon his eyelids and he speedily sank into an uneasy, 
broken sleep, from which he started at intervals, dis- 
turbed by some vague, disquieting dream. Ever and 
anon, as he dozed, that smile that made him so hand- 
some would steal over his manly countenance, bring- 
ing out into bold relief all his wonderful nobility and 
benevolence of expression. 

As midnight struck in every clock-tower in Paris, 
the usual solitude of the Eue du Helder at that dead 
hour was broken by the appearance of a sinister 
figure at the little gate of Monte- Cristo's garden. 
This figure was almost instantly followed by another 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 



159 



hardly less forbidding. Both wore masks and moved 
as stealthily as cats. The second figure addressed the 
first, speaking in a cautions whisper: 

" Bouche-de-Miel, is that you?" 

"Yes. Siebecker, have you the key?" muttered 
the other, scarcely above his breath. 

"Here it is, old man. Now to work. The others 
will be on hand in a moment. Open the gate and 
let us get in." 

Bouche-de-Miel took the key, which was covered 
with oil to prevent grating, and inserted it in the 
lock. It fitted to a charm and turned noiselessly. 
Bouche-de-Miel gave the gate a gentle push ; it 
yielded, swinging open without a sound. The two 
men passed inside, partially closing it after them. 
The moonlight fell upon the seat that Zuleika and 
Mile, d' Armilly had occupied beneath the honey- 
suckle-covered arbor that morning; Bouche-de-Miel 
gave a sudden start as he glanced at it, half-repenting 
of having yielded to Waldmann's command under the 
impulse of his hatred for Monte-Cristo and his desire 
for revenge ; he trembled violently in spite of all his 
efforts to maintain composure and his face became 
one mass of sweat beneath his protecting mask. Sie- 
becker noticed his agitation and gave vent to a smoth- 
ered curse. 

"Sacre nom d' un chien!" he muttered, between 
his teeth, "if you go on like that, old man, it would 
have been better had Waldmann let you off. You 
can't do this job with an unsteady hand. Brace up, 
brace up, Bouche-de-Miel! What's that?" 



160 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 



There was a slight noise at 'the gate. Grasping his 
tremulous companion by the arm, Siebecker hurriedly 
drew him behind a clump of small chestnut trees. 
No sooner were they hidden than three masked men 
cautiously opened the gate and came on tip-toe into 
the garden. Waldmann, Peppino and Beppo had 
arrived and were ready to do their share of the nefa- 
rious work. Siebecker and Bouche-de-Miel silently 
emerged from their hiding-place and joined them. 

Waldmann glanced about him, evidently satisfied. 

"So far so good," said he, in an undertone. " "We 
are all here on time. Do not let us waste an instant. 
Have you steadied your nerves with plenty of brandy, 
Bouche-de-Miel?" " 

"I'm all right," replied the latter, doggedly, though 
there was a perceptible quiver in his voice as he 
spoke. 

"He has just had another fit of fear," said Siebecker, 
disdainfully. "I think we would do well to leave him 
with Peppino and Beppo to keep watch in the garden! 
It won't be safe to take him with us into the house, 
Waldmann !" 

The leader went up to Bouche-de-Miel and gave him 
a rough shake. 

"You are a coward!" said he, savagely. "That 
woman story you told us was all bosh. You are 
afraid of meeting Monte-Cristo, as I saw very plainly 
this morning !" 

This taunt stung Bouche-de-Miel to the quick and 
restored to him all his courage. He faced Waldmann 
unflinchingly and retorted: 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 



161 



"I am no coward and I am not afraid of Monte- 
Cristo!" 

"Then what is the matter with you?" 

"That is my business, but it shan't damage this 
night's work. I will go with you to the house and do 
my part as well as you or Siebecker. You said not 
to waste an instant. What are you waiting for? Go 
on!" 

"Do you swear to stand by us to the last whatever 
happens ? " 
"I swear it !" 
"I will trust you." 

"And you will have no reason to repent of your 
trust. If I meet Monte-Cristo I will kill him as I 
would a mongrel cur! Does that satisfy you? " 

"How about your mysterious woman?" 

Bouche-de-Miel could not repress a start, but he 
clenched his fists firmly and replied, with an effort: 

"Never mind her! She must take care of herself!" 

"Who is she?" 

"Never mind her, I say! If harm comes to her it 
will be her own fault!" 

Waldmann appeared reassured; nevertheless he 
whispered in Bouche-de-Miers ear with a terrible 
earnestness that plainly showed he meant what he 
said : 

"I told you I would trust you, and I will. But if 
you weaken, if you seek to act the traitor to save 
that woman, I will blow your brains out where you 
stand! " 

Bouche-de-Miel shrugged his shoulders. 

GO 

10 



162 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 



"If I weaken, if I seek to betray you, slioot me on 
the spot ! I give you leave ! But if you use your pistol, 
it will be on other game than me! Let us to work!' 7 

Leaving the two Italians on guard at the gate, 
Waldmann and Siebecker, with Bouche-de-Miel between 
them, went stealthily towards the house, walking 
on the grass that the sound of their footsteps might 
be muffled. They kept well in the shadows of the 
trees, reaching the rear of the mansion unobserved and 
without incident. Waldmann removed his shoes and 
the others followed his example. 

"Everything is silent," he whispered. "No doubt 
all the members of the household, including the re- 
doubtable Count himself, are fast asleep. We shall 
have an easy thing of it." 

He went upon the back porch and tried the door 
of the servants 7 quarters. It had been carelessly left 
unlocked. He opened it and peered within. Only 
darkness and silence there. He beckoned to his com- 
rades; they also came on the porch. Waldmann pro- 
duced a dark lantern from under his coat; the three 
robbers entered Monte-Cristo 7 s house. 

" The Count's study where he keeps his money is 
on the second floor," whispered Bouche-de-Miel. 
"We can reach it by going up the servants' stairway 
over there." 

He pointed across the small corridor in which they 
stood. Waldmann cautiously opened his lantern and 
the narrow thread of light that came from it revealed 
the stairway. The miscreants mounted it and, guided 
by Bouche-de-Miel, who seemed to be thoroughly 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 



163 



familiar with the topography of the mansion, were soon 
in front of Monte-Cristo's study. The door was ajar. 
Bouche-de-Miel glanced in, but instantly withdrew his 
head, motioning Waldmann and Siebecker to look. 
They did so, and saw a man asleep in an arm-chair; 
simultaneously a sharp click in the room alarmed 
them ; they clenched their teeth, set their lips firmly 
together and drew their pistols. The sharp click was 
repeated, followed in rapid succession by several 
others. It was the telegraphic instrument — the 
news from Berlin had come! 

Instantly the Count was wide awake. He leaped 
from his chair and ran to the instrument, to the 
clicking of which he eagerly and intently listened. 
The vast society of Prussian patriots had met. The 
delegates had been long in arriving, for, although the 
utmost secrecy had been used, the royal police had 
got wind of their presence in the capital and of the 
proposed assemblage. Still, it was hoped that the 
meeting would not be disturbed, as the rendezvous 
Was in a secluded locality, of which, it was thought, 
the authorities were not suspicious. Scarcely, how- 
ever, had the president taken his seat when the po- 
lice poured in through every door and window. All 
the patriots were arrested, save Monte-Cristo's confed- 
erate, who by a lucky chance succeeded in deceiving 
the myrmidons of the law. 

The Count's brow clouded as he heard this startling 
intelligence ticked off" by the telegraphic instrument. 
He put his hand to his forehead at the conclusion of 
the ominous message and staggered like a drunken 



164 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 



man back to his arm-cliair, into which lie sank. As 
he did so, Waldmann, Siebecker and Bouche-de-Miel, 
who immediately rushed forward, seized him and held 
him there with the strength of iron. Waldmann 
slipped a gag into his mouth and Siebecker bound 
him firmly to the chair with a stout cord he took 
from his pocket. The binding accomplished, the rob- 
bers quitted their hold of the Count and turned in 
search of the plunder they had come for — the millions 
of Monte-Cristo! 

Suddenly there was a loud cry. It came from 
Bouche-de-Miel. The others turned and looked at 
him, their pistols in their hands. He was staring at 
a white-robed woman, who stood like a ghost in the 
open doorway of the study. At that juncture another 
door opened and Ali, the faithful Nubian, followed by 
all the valets of the household, sprang into the 
room, falling upon the bewildered scoundrels ere they 
had recovered from their surprise. There was a brief 
struggle, but the servants were unarmed, and the rob- 
bers, disengaging themselves from the clutches of 
their adversaries, kept them at bay with their pistols 
and slowly backed from the apartment. In the con- 
flict, however, Bouche-de-Miers mask was torn from 
his face, and his countenance was no sooner visible 
than the white-robed woman ran towards him with 
outstretched arms, breathlessly exclaiming: 

"My father! my father!" 

Bouche-de-Miel motioned her from him; then he 
moved as if to approach her, urged on by a feeling 
he was altogether unable to master; but Waldmann, 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 



165 



still keeping his pistol pointed at Ali and his com- 
panions, seized him by the arm with a grip of iron 
and^ drew him away. The foiled robbers succeeded in 
making their escape from the house, and the garden. 

The Count of Monte- Cristo had been unbound and 
ungagged by Ali when the robbers had left the study. 
Alarmed by the unwonted noise and commotion, Cap- 
tain de Morcerf, Zuleika and Mile, d' Armillv had 
appeared upon the scene, but too late to witness the 
conflict with the miscreants. In a few words the 
Count explained to them what had happened. Zu- 
leika glanced at Mile, d' Armilly as if she suspected 
that the strange beggar of that morning had some- 
thing to do with this midnight invasion of their 
home; Louise looked uneasy and agitated, but pre- 
served a stony silence. 

The white-robed woman still stood as if stupefied. 
Mile, d' Armilly went to her and asked, solicitously: 

" Eugenie, what is the matter?" 

This question aroused young Madame de Morcerf, 
for it was she, from her stupor. She threw herself 
into a chair and covered her face with her hands, 
moaning piteously: 

"Oh! Louise! Louise! I have seen my father! 
He was one of the robbers! It is terrible, terrible I" 

Captain de Morcerf, who had gone to his wife's 
side and tenderly taken her hand, gazed inquiringly 
at the Count. 

"I saw the man she speaks of perfectly/' said Monte- 
Cristo, in reply to his look, "and he was certainly 
the Baron Danglars!" 



166 



morcerf's adventure. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
morcerf's adventure. 

THE Count of Monte -Crista took no steps to have 
the miscreants who had invaded the sancity of 
his home tracked and apprehended; he did not even 
instruct the Commissary of Police of the quarter in 
regard to what had happened. He was entirely satis- 
fied that the sole aim of the wretches had been rob- 
bery, and, as that aim had been defeated, he did not 
desire to court further publicity by putting the matter 
in the hands' of the authorities. One thing, however, 
gave the Count considerable uneasiness, namely, the 
fact that Danglars had been one of the robbers. He 
did not doubt that the former banker, whom he had 
financially wrecked and forced to fly ignominiously 
from Paris in the past in pursuit of his scheme of 
wholesale vengenance against the enemies of his 
youth, had planned the robbery in order to gratify 
his burning thirst for revenge ; he also felt equally 
certain that Danglars meant further mischief, if he 
could accomplish it, and that his presence in the city 
would be a constant menace to his tranquillity and 
prosperity, nay, even to his domestic happiness ; but 
his feelings had undergone a radical change since the 
old days of restless, inexorable retribution, and he 
now pitied the man he had so ruthlessly overthrown 



morcerf's adventure. 



167 



as much as he had formerly hated him. Danglars 
had fallen very low, indeed, to be the companion and 
accomplice of midnight marauders, and the Count's 
very soul ached as he thought to what depths of poverty 
and ignominy he had been the means of reducing 
him. He would have sought him out amid the dan- 
gerous criminal population of Paris, traced him to his 
den of depravity and wretchedness, and offered him 
money and the means of social rehabilitation had there 
been the slightest reason to hope that he could 
therebv rescue the miserable man from the slouch of 
iniquity into which he was plunged, but he knew too 
well Danglars' implacable character and deep-seated 
hatred against himself to attempt anything of the 
kind. Should he penetrate into his haunts and meet 
him the result could only be disastrous, for Danglars 
would take a fiendish delight in betraying him to his 
desperate associates, who would not hesitate even to 
murder him at his bidding, and the former banker 
was fully capable of compassing his assassination in 
the most horrible fashion as a crowning stroke of 
diabolical revenge. There was a time when Monte- 
Cristo valued life very little, when he would gladly 
have accepted death as a welcome avenue to endless 
rest and peace, but that time had passed ; since then 
he had contracted ties that bound him to existence 
with insurmountable strength ; he had now a family, 
was surrounded by beings he tenderly loved and cher- 
ished, beings for whom he must live and over whose 
destinies he must closely watch. He was wedded to 
Merc6d&s, who lavished upon him in her maturity 



168 



morcerf's adventure. 



all the wealth, of overwhelming affection she had 
showered upon him before the fateful conspiracy that 
had consigned him as the sailor Dant&s to the dark, 
noisome dungeon of the Chateau d' If and given her 
to the arms of Fernand, the Catalan. Haydee had 
fluttered over the page of his stormy, agitated history, 
leaving him Esperance and Zuleika as reminders of a 
happy, but all too brief dream, an elfin vision of 
enchantment that had vanished as swiftly as it had 
come. But his son and daughter had twined them- 
selves about the fibres of his heart as the clinging 
ivy twines about the shattered fragments of some 
grand and imposing ruin, and each day, each moment, 
as it sped by, only served the more to reveal to him 
the longings and the devotion of a father's soul. Be- 
sides, Albert de Morcerf and his young wife Eugenie 
were now thoroughly endeared to him, and he felt 
that by doing everything in his power to augment 
their happiness he was gradually paying off the heavy 
debt he owed to Danglars' so long abandoned child. 
Yes, the Count of Monte-Cristo wished to live, first 
for his family, then for the great cause of human 
liberty with which he had become so thoroughly 
identified. If Danglars came in his way he would 
endeavor to reclaim and propitiate him, but he could 
not seek him out. 

Mercedes at the period of the attempted robbery 
was absent on a visit to some friends in Marseilles, 
and by common consent it was resolved not to inform 
her of Danglars' reappearance, as the intelligence 
could not fail to be a prostrating shock to her. 



morcerf's adventure. 



169 



Ever since that memorable midnight scene in 
Monte-Cristo's study young Madame de Morcerf had 
acted like one overwhelmed. She said nothing, even 
to her husband or Louise d' Armilly, concerning her 
wretched father, but it was plain that intense grief 
and shame were preying upon her. This greatly dis- 
tressed Albert and, seeing his beloved wife droop day 
by clay, he, without saying a word to any one, formed 
a startling and perilous resolution. He determined to 
find Danglars' abode, to see his father-in-law and 
endeavor to persuade him to relinquish his career of 
crime. In* this he was actuated by two powerful mo- 
tives — the desire to relieve Eugenie's distress and sus- 
pense and the wish to avoid the scandal that would 
be sure to come should the former banker be caught 
red-handed in the commission of some fearful crime 
and a legal investigation reveal his identity. 

Zuleika studiously avoided referring to the at- 
tempted robbery and the recognition of Danglars by 
her father and Eugenie. She was aware of the part 
Monte-Cristo had played in his enemy's fall and dis- 
grace, and did not deem it prudent to awaken the 
bitter recollections of the lurid and dreadful past. 

Mile, d' Armilly also said nothing in reference to 
the reappearance of Danglars, but it was very clear 
to the observant Zuleika that she expected and 
dreaded further harm from Monte-Cristo's revengeful 
enemy. At night she locked herself in her chamber, 
and, notwithstanding the almost unbearable heat of 
the weather, securely closed and fastened all her 
windows. 



170 



morcerf's adventure. 



The Count himself was as reserved as ever, never 
once mentioning either the midnight invasion of his 
mansion or the unexpected advent of his most deadly 
foe. To everybody in the household he seemed 
either to have forgotten or to have succeeded in dis- 
missing from his mind those events so fraught with 
excitement and possibilities of future disaster. But 
Monte-Cristo, though he preserved an impassible ex- 
terior, had neither forgotten nor dismissed them. He 
had simply applied to himself his own famous maxim, 
" Wait and Hope." He was waiting and hoping for 
the best, for God in His inscrutable wisdor» to bring 
mysterious good out of apparent evil. 

Meanwhile Captain de Morcerf had been busily en- 
gaged in making thorough but cautious investigations. 
He had formed the acquaintance of a former Agent 
de la Surete, who had been of great use to him in 
describing the various outlaws and prowlers of Paris, 
and in pointing out to him their secret dens and the 
secluded places of rendezvous where they met, drank 
vile liquors, and, under the maddening influence of 
absinthe and alcohol, plotted their crimes and atroci- 
ties of every description. This man, another Quas- 
imodo in point of hideous aspect, had been dismissed 
from the detective service because of his inability to 
keep sober, but he had not forgotten the resources of 
his profession, and money lavishly bestowed upon 
him made him Captain de Morcerfs most obedient 
and faithful slave. Cash in hand rendered him inde- 
fatigable and the prospect of obtaining more kept 
him discreet. He had taught his employer the art 



morcerf's adventure. 



171 



of effectually disguising himself, of passing for a 
veritable zigue, and, as he was well-known to the 
desperadoes he had formerly shadowed and was wel- 
comed by them as a sterling good fellow, he was 
enabled to take the Captain with impunity among 
scoundrels who would not have hesitated to cut his 
throat had they known who he was. 

As Albert did not know what name Danglars had 
assumed and was unwilling to give the ex-detective 
his true cognomen, the latter had nothing to guide 
him in this respect. Neither was the Captain cogni- 
zant of the changes that time and his mode of life 
had wrought in the former banker's personal appear- 
ance, so he could only describe him as he had looked 
in the years gone by. This afforded Mange, such 
was the name of the dismissed policeman, no indica- 
tion whatever by which he could profit. He, never- 
theless, was not disconcerted by the paucity of infor- 
mation. He knew that young Morcerf was searching 
for a man who had been one of the party engaged in 
the attempt to rob the Monte-Cristo mansion on the 
Eue du Helder, and that knowledge was sufficient for 
him. He very soon discovered that Waldmann, Sie- 
becker, Bouche-de-Miel and two Italians had formed 
that party, and Bouche-de-Miel being the only French- 
man in the coterie he had no difficulty whatever in 
fixing upon him as the individual wanted. He im- 
parted his discovery and conclusion to his employer, 
together with the intelligence that the men were in 
the habit of congregating in the little caboulot of the 
Cite d' Antin. Albert rewarded Mange liberally for 



172 



moecerf's adventure. 



his zeal and promised him a very much larger sum 
should Bouche-de-Miel turn out to be his man. It 
was immediately arranged that Mange should conduct 
the Captain to the caboulot that very night and, if 
possible, bring him face to face with the Frenchman 
supposed to be Danglars. 

In accordance with this agreement, as soon as night 
had fallen, Mange was waiting for his employer at the 
corner of the Eue Taitbout and the Eue de Provence. 
He was not kept long at his post, for Albert speedily 
made his appearance, dressed in a blouse like a work- 
man; his rough trousers were tucked in the tops of 
his dusty boots and on his head he wore a battered 
slouch hat that looked as if it might have seen ser- 
vice behind the revolutionary barricades. Mange sur- 
vej^ed him with a long glance of admiration; then 
taking him to a neighboring street lamp, he critically 
examined his face, which was stained to represent the 
bronzing effect of the sun and smeared with dirt. 

" Capital ! " exclaimed the ex-detective, as he fin- 
ished his scrutiny. "You are a zigue out and out! 
Not a trace of the boulevardier to be seen! The 
most keen-scented vache in the caboulot would be 
completely deceived!" 

Albert smiled at his companion's enthusiasm. 

"Well, as I pass examination," he said, "let us go 
on at once. Do you think our man will be at the 
caboulot?" 

"Do I think water will run down hill!" cried 
Mange, with a laugh that resembled nothing so much 
as the discordant croak of a crow. "He never 



morcerf's adventure. 



173 



misses a night, and this is the hour when the brandy 
begins to flow!" 

Albert shuddered at this remark, suggesting as it 
did the certainty that he would find Eugenie's father 
a sot as well as a thief. He, however, took Mange's 
arm and together they strolled leisurely into the Cite 
d' Antin, making their way to the caboulot without 
meeting a single suspicious prowler. 

They entered the front room where Bouche-de-Miel 
had found the slatternly young woman reading her 
greasy copy of the Gazette des Tribunaux on the morn- 
ing preceding the attempted robbery. She was at 
her accustomed place behind the counter, but was not 
reading; eight or ten stalwart ruffians monopolized 
her attention and, as she furnished her thirsty custo- 
mers with the various fiery beverages they demanded, 
she showered her most captivating glances right and 
left among them. She was as slatternly as ever, but 
her hair was shining with bear's grease and a strong 
odor of musk pervaded her garments; a paste dia- 
mond of enormous size but of doubtful brilliancy 
ornamented her breastpin and on her stumpy, grimy 
fingers were numerous brass rings containing dull im- 
itations of rubies, amethysts and topazes. 

As the new comers came in, Waldmann, standing 
in front of the counter with a bottle in one hand arid 
a glass in the other, was chaffing her. 

"See here, Beurre-Sans-Sel," he said, with a well- 
counterfeited air of intense admiration, "you are look- 
ing like a real beauty to-night. I will wager any- 
thing you expect a lover. I never saw you put on 



174 



morcerf 7 s adventure. 



sucli style before. I declare you far outshine the de- 
moiselles of the public balls!" 

" Oh! Monsieur Waldmann, how you talk ! 77 returned 
the girl, with an affected simper and an unsuccessful 
attempt to blush. 

Just then the German looked around and caught 
sight of Mange, who was looking his ugliest. The 
spirit of mischief was strong upon him and he 
instantly cried out: 

"I knew it; I knew you were expecting a lover 
and here he is promptly on time ! Come now own up, 
my little Beurre-Sans-Sel, did you not put on all your 
pretty fixings for Mange? 77 

"For that ugly old gorilla! 77 exclaimed the girl, 
unceremoniously and disdainfully. "I can get better- 
looking lovers than either a monkey or a Swab, I 7 d 
have you to know, Monsieur Waldmann! 77 

There was a general laugh at this sally, and none 
laughed louder than Mange, who had a taste for 
coarse jokes and sharp retorts. 

u So! ,7 said Waldmann, after the merriment had sub- 
sided. Then he perceived Mange's companion for the 
first time. He examined him closely and suspiciously. 
Albert did not shrink from his scrutiny, bat the ex- 
detective deemed it prudent to set matters right at 
the start by a formal introduction of his employer; 
he, therefore, motioned to Albert to follow him and 
walked up to the German, offering him his hand, 
which the latter shook cordially. 

The Captain now stood beside Waldmann in front 
of the counter and Mange presented him without delay. 



morcerf's adventure. 



175 



"Monsieur Waldmann," said lie, "permit me to 
make you acquainted with my friend Fonquier, from 
Dijon, a bon zigue." 

"Monsieur Fouquier," said tlie German, taking 
Albert's outstretched hand, "I am glad to know you, 
especially as you come so well recommended." 

Mange bowed in acknowledgment of this little 
tribute to himself. 

Morcerf replied that the pleasure was mutual. 

Waldmann's suspicions seemed to be allayed. 

" Take something," he said. " Here, Siebecker and 
Bouche-de-Miel, join us in drinking the health of 
Monsieur Fouquier from Dijon!" 

Albert was instantly on the alert and Mange watched 
him attentively as the two individuals named emerged 
from a corner of the room and lounged up to the 
counter. There was another presentation, a double 
one this time, Waldmann doing the honors. Mange re- 
quired no introduction. Everybody appeared to know 
him. Beurre-Sans-Sel put forth brandy and glasses, and 
the health of Monsieur Fouquier was drunk enthusi- 
astically. When this ceremony ended Morcerf called for 
cigarettes and distributed them among the coterie ; then 
he had leisure to examine Bouche-de-Miel; the latter 
had turned his back to the counter and leaned his 
elbows upon it; in this position, with his cigarette 
between his teeth, he looked the perfect picture of 
vagabondish idleness. Mange was still watching Mor- 
cerf, but saw no sign that he had recognized in 
Bouche-de-Miel the man for whom he was seeking. 
This made him uneasy, for it was an indication that 



176 



morcerf's adventure. 



the reward his employer had promised him would 
not be earned. 

Presently Waldmann and Siebecker were called to 
another part of the room. Bouche-de-Miel remained, 
continuing to smoke his cigarette, with his elbows 
on the counter where he had placed them after the 
health-drinking. The Captain's thoughts were of a 
conflicting nature. Everything pointed to the fact 
that the man before him was his father-in-law, but, 
unlike Mile, d' Armilly, he saw nothing in him sug- 
gestive of the Baron Danglars of other days. Could 
this vagabond, this wretch, be Danglars? If so, how 
was it to be proved to his satisfaction? How, above 
all, in this place, in this den of thieves and cut- 
throats? The man was certainly the party Eugenie 
had recognized on the night of the attempted bur- 
glary as her father, the party Monte- Cristo himself had 
so positively pronounced to be the former banker. 
But was it not probable that his wife and the Count 
had been mistaken? Was it not probable that they 
had been deceived by some fancied resemblance when 
excitement had possessed them to such a degree that 
it had deprived them of the full use of their mental 
faculties? At any rate he had come to the caboulot to 
experiment with Bouche-de-Miel and he would not 
shrink from cautiously applying the test. 

Their cigarettes were now consumed. Albert, in 
pursuance of his scheme, invited Bouche-de-Miel and 
Mange to take seats at a table and have some more 
brandy. They accepted the invitation with alacrity, 
and the three were soon drinking and chatting. Re- 



morcerf's adventure. 



177 



peated potations finally opened Bouche-de-Miel's lips ; 
he began to be confidential. 

"You may not believe me, messieurs/' said he, "but 
I was not always as you see me now!" 

Mange winked triumphantly at his employer. Kev- 
elations which might be important were coming. 
Perhaps he would yet earn the promised reward. 
Morcerf was listening attentively. 

"No, sacrd nom d' un chien, I was not always a 
zigue! Once I had immense wealth, I counted my 
money by millions! I had position, too, and I may 
say without egotism that I was honored by the best 
people of Paris!" 

He paused and drained another glass of brandy. 

"What were you?" asked Mange. 

Albert waited breathlessly for the answer to this 
question. 

"What was I?" repeated Bouche-de-Miel. "You 
may laugh, but I was a banker!" 

Morcerf could not avoid giving a start. The vaga- 
bond, half-drunk as he was, noticed it and asked: 

"What is the matter with you, Fouquier? Do you 
think the lie so tremendous that you can't keep 
still?" 

The young man was glad to accept this interpreta- 
tion of his behavior; he touched his glass to his lips 
and said, with a forced smile: 

"Well, I do think you are going it rather strong!" 

"Not half strong enough, mon Dieu!" cried Bouche- 
de-Miel, bringing his fist down on the table with such 
force that the glasses were nearly knocked off'. "Not 
11 



178 



morcekf's adventure. 



half strong enough, I tell you, messieurs, for I was a 
Baron as well as a banker ! " 

Albert groaned. Mange looked at him with spark- 
ling eyes; he was now sure that the promised money 
was within his reach, that his clutch would soon 
close on it. His enforced sobriety since he had been 
in the Captain's employ made him anxious for a pro- 
longed, reckless spree, frightfully anxious, and his 
guarded potations since he entered the caboulot had 
wetted his devouring appetite for alcohol to such an 
extent that he could scarcely keep it in subjection 
with the plentiful supply of brandy on the table, 
almost at his very lips. 

Bouche-de-Miel did not hear Morcerfs groan; his 
misty eyes were fixed upon space, seemed to be peering 
into the depths and recesses of the distant past. The 
Captain judged that the time had come to draw the 
final, the crowning admission from his lips. He 
touched him lightly on the arm. The man turned 
and glanced at him inquiringly. Morcerfs heart 
beat wildly ; it was with great difficulty that he 
kept his agitation under control. He hurriedly scanned 
the other occupants of the room — some were very drunk 
and stupid, others noisy and demonstrative, but all were 
too busy with their own concerns and pleasures to pay 
even the slightest attention to the little party at the 
table; Waldmann and Siebecker were asleep on oppo- 
site ends of a bench in a corner. Bouche-de-Miel had 
meanwhile relapsed into his misty reverie. Albert 
touched his arm again. 

" Don't bother me!" said the man, impatiently, with- 



morcerf's adventure. 



179 



out removing his eyes from space. "Can't you let a 
fellow dream!" 

" Baron Danglars!" whispered Morcerf in his ear. 

"Eh? What?" cried Bouche-de-Miel, coming back 
to reality with a start, half-sobered by hearing this 
name. 

"Baron Danglars," repeated the Captain, in a guarded 
undertone, "I know you!" 

The man got upon his feet lumberingly and unstead- 
ily ; he clutched Albert's shoulder convulsively. 

"You are an Agent de la Surete!" he hissed. "You 
have come here to arrest me!" 

The attention of some of the less intoxicated ruffians 
was being excited by Bouche-de-Miel's behavior, but 
their ears had failed to seize his words amid the pre- 
vailing din. Mange, with his usual keenness and 
quickness, saw that something must instantly be done 
to quiet Albert's companion or all the miscreants who 
could stir would be aroused and come thronging about 
them to throttle the supposed Agent de la Surete. 
He, therefore, gave a loud laugh and said to Bouche- 
de-Miel: 

"Don't be a fool, old man! Monsieur Fouquier 
belong to la rousse! That's a good joke! ha! ha! 
Why he is as much in danger of the violon as you 
are! ha! ha!" 

He arose, still laughing, and, playfully taking Bouche- 
de-Miel by the collar, gently forced him back into his 
chair. As he did so, he glanced at Beurre-Sans-Sel. 
The slatternly young woman had her hand on the 
screw of the huge lamp suspended above the counter, 



180 



morcerf's adventure. 



by which alone the room was lighted, ready to turn 
it out and leave the whole place in darkness at the 
first alarm. She was evidently accustomed to police 
descents and knew how to act in such cases. Mange's 
words and merriment, however, reassured her and she 
withdrew her fingers from the screw. 

But Bouche-de-Miel was not altogether satisfied. He 
sat uneasily in his chair, facing Morcerf and anxiously 
scanning his countenance. 

" What did you mean by calling me Baron Danglars 
and saying that you knew me?" he asked, in a low, 
somewhat tremulous voice. 

Instead of replying directly to this question, the 
young man said, slowly and in a half- whisper : 

"I am Albert de Morcerf, the husband of j^our 
daughter Eugenie!" 

" What ! " exclaimed Bouche-de-Miel. " Eugenie 
married — and to you ! " 

"Yes," said the Captain, "Fate has again brought us 
together after a long and painful separation." 

"I saw Eugenie in the house of the Count of Monte- 
Cristo, no matter how, no matter when. What was 
she doing there?" 

" Monte-Cristo is married to my mother, Mercedes, 
and we are* living with him." 

"Living with him — Eugenie, my daughter, living 
beneath the roof of the man who ruined her father 
and made him what he is ! " 

Bouche-de-Miel grew absolutely livid with rage; he 
was entirely sobered now and all his evil instincts 
had full possession of him. 



morcerf's adventure. 181 

"I will never forgive her — or you!" lie hissed. 

" Listen to me/' said Albert, with comparative calm- 
ness. "I have come here to-night at the risk of my 
life to offer you money, the means of rehabilitation. 
Be advised. Leave these miscreants with whom you 
are associated and become a man again!' 7 

"I reject both your offer and advice!" said Bouche- 
de-Miel, excitedly. "They are insults, coming as they 
do from the stepson of Monte-Cristo, my relentless enemy ! 
But I will have vengeance upon you for them and 
through you on Edmond Dantes! Ho, Waldmann! 
Siebecker!" 

The two Germans awoke, sprang from their bench 
and advanced towards the table. 

Mange uttered a groan of despair. He could do 
nothing now to avert the impending danger. 

Bouche-de-Miel had leaped to his feet and grappled 
with Albert de Morcerf. Waldmann and Siebecker, 
realizing that something was wrong and at once con- 
necting the alleged Monsieur Fouquier with it, drew 
long, keen-bladed knives as they rushed forward. 

All the thieves and marauders who were sober 
enough to stand were now on their feet, ready to 
hurl themselves upon the suspected man. Weapons 
flashed in every direction — daggers, knives and pistols. 
Loud oaths and abusive epithets were heard on all 
sides; it was a perfect pandemonium, a babel of evil 
sounds. 

Amid all the confusion and danger Mange's self- 
possession did not desert him. Seeing that it was 
useless to attempt to pacify the surging pack of des- 



182 



morcerf's adventure. 



peradoes, he determined upon a bold measure, one 
that would enable him to save Captain de Morcerf 
and, at the same time, keep up his reputation with 
the criminal frequenters of the caboulot, with whom he 
desired for reasons of his own to be on good terms. 
He ran to the counter, where B3urre-Sans-Sel already 
had her hand on the screw of the hanging lamp, 
waiting for events to decide what action she should take. 
He leaned over the counter and whispered to the girl: 

" Beurre-Sans-Sel, I was deceived in Monsieur Fou- 
quier. He imposed upon me. He told me he was 
from Dijon. He turns out to be a Parisian and an 
Agent de la Surete. He has betrayed himself. More 
Agents are coming! They will be here in a moment! 
Put off the light!" 

The girl did not hesitate a second; she gave the 
screw a quick twist and the caboulot was instantly as 
dark as a tomb. 

Having executed this manoeuvre, Mange sprang to 
Albert de Morcerfs side, striking Bouche-de-Miel a 
crushing blow in the face that caused him to lose his 
grip of the young man. Then, seizing his employer 
in his brawny arms, he lifted him as if he had been 
a child and ran with him to the front door ; this he 
opened, leaping into the street with his burden. 

u JSTow run for your life!" he exclaimed, depositing 
the young man on the sidewalk. 

With this he started off at a tearing pace, closely 
followed by Morcerf. They did not pause until they had 
reached the Eue de Provence, where, in the blaze of the 
lights, amid the throngs of honest citizens, they were safe. 



ZULEIKA AND MME. MORREL. 



183 



CHAPTER XIV. 

ZULEIKA AND MME. MORREL. 

QUITE a long time had elapsed since the sudden 
departure of the Yiscount Massetti from Paris, 
but Zuleika was still in complete ignorance as to 
his whereabouts and actions. He was in Rome, of that 
she had not the slightest doubt. She was equally 
convinced that his errand there was to establish his 
innocence of the terrible crime imputed to him by 
Luigi Vampa, to obtain proofs that would clear him 
in the eyes of her father and herself, if not of all the 
world. Why, therefore, did he not write, why did 
he not give her some sign that she would under- 
stand? His silence discouraged the young girl, filled 
her with uneasiness. It seemed to indicate that he 
had not succeeded, had not been able to wipe the 
stain from his record. If so she would never see him 
again, for Giovanni was too proud to reappear in her 
presence with a dishonored name, a sullied reputation. 
This thought was torture, and Monte- Cristo's daughter 
felt that should her lover desert her she could not 
live. 

As the days rolled by without a word of intelli- 
gence from the Viscount, Zuleika's fears assumed 
greater consistency and weight. She grew sad, inex- 
pressibly sad; her look lost its brightness, her voice 



184 



ZULEIKA AXD MME. M0RREL. 



its cheery tone and her step its elasticity. The 
bloom faded from her youthful cheeks, giving place 
to an ashen pallor. She was no longer interested in 
her accustomed occupations and amusements, and 
would sit for hours together with her hands crossed 
in her lap, dominated by sorrowful and dismal fore- 
bodings. 

Mercedes noticed her condition, and, ascribing it to 
its proper cause, strove in a motherly way to rouse 
and console her, but without effect. She spoke to 
the Count about it, begging him to use his influence 
to cheer his child, but Monte-Cristo only shook his 
head, saying that they must trust to the soothing 
power of time which could not fail ultimately to do 
its work. Esperance pitied his sister sincerely, but 
refrained from interfering, well knowing that nothing 
he could say would be productive of good. Albert 
de Morcerf, his wife and Mile, d' Armilly, who had 
learned of Zuleika's love affair and the dark shadow 
that had fallen upon it, felt a delicacy about alluding 
to the matter and, therefore, held aloof; besides, they 
were too much depressed by the circumstances under 
which Danglars had reappeared to be able to exert a 
cheering influence. 

When Mercedes returned from Marseilles she was 
accompained by Maximilian and Valentine Morrel, 
who immediately went to the mansion on the Eue du 
Helder and paid their respects to the Count of Monte- 
Cristo, their benefactor. It was their intention to 
make only a brief call, taking up their residence dur- 
ing their sojourn in Paris at that famous stopping- 



ZULEIKA AND MME. MORREL. 



185 



place for strangers, the Grand Hotel du Louvre on 
the Eue de Rivoli adjoining the Palais Royal, but 
Monte-Cristo would not hear of such a thing, insisting 
that the young soldier and his wife should be his guests 
and partake of his hospitality. They were not reluctant 
to consent to this agreeable arrangement, as it would 
enable them to enjoy uninterruptedly the society of 
their dearest friends. 

Mme. Morrel at once took a deep interest in Zu- 
leika. She saw that some sorrow was heavily weigh- 
ing on the young girl, and, rightly divining that the 
tender passion had much to do with it, immediately 
endeavored to inspire her with a degree of confidence 
sufficient to bring about revelations. In this Mme. 
Morrel was not actuated by curiosity. Her motive 
was altogether laudable; she desired to serve the 
Count of Monte-Cristo, to do something to show her 
gratitude for the overwhelming benefits he had in the 
past showered upon her husband and herself, and 
could conceive no better or more effectual way than 
by striving to relieve Zuleika. She, therefore, promptly 
set about her praiseworthy but difficult task, resolved 
to bring back the roses to the young girl's cheeks 
and restore hope to her sad and dejected heart. 

She began by using every womanly art to induce 
Zuleika to love her and look upon her as a friend of 
friends. In this initial step she succeeded even be- 
yond her most ardent anticipations. From the first 
Monte-Cristo's daughter was attracted towards her, 
and it required very little effort on Mme. Morrel's 
part to win her completely. Valentine's disposition 



186 



ZULEIKA AND MME. MORREL. 



was so sweet and her sympathy so sincere that Zu- 
leika could not help loving her; besides, the roman- 
tic story of her love for Maximilian and the terrible 
trials she had undergone before being united to him 
through Monte- Cristo's potent influence, with which 
she was thoroughly acquainted, predisposed Giovanni's 
betrothed to regard her as a woman to whom she 
could open her heart and from whom she might de- 
rive supreme solace, if not consolation. Valentine's 
quick and penetrating eyes read the young girl like 
the pages of an open book, and she was not slow in 
utilizing the advantages she acquired. 

Things had been going on in this way for several 
days, when one evening Mme. Morrel proposed a 
promenade in the garden to Zuleika with a view of 
bringing matters to a crisis. She gladly acquiesced in 
the proposition and soon they were strolling in the 
moonlight amid the fragrant flowers and centenarian 
trees. It was a sultry night, but there was a pleas- 
ant breeze that agreeably fanned the cheeks of Valen- 
tine and her youthful companion. Mme. Morrel had 
matured her plan, but Zuleika herself unexpectedly 
came to her aid, assisting her to put it into imme- 
diate and practical execution. 

After walking for a short space, they seated them- 
selves in a magnificent pavilion or summer-house sit- 
uated at the extremity of the garden. It was built 
of white stone, the walls being perforated by several 
tall archways that supplied the place of both windows 
and doors. Ivy and other clustering vines clambered 
about the exterior, creeping through the archwa}>s and 



ZULEIKA AND MME. MO REEL. 



187 



furnishing the ceiling with a verdant canopy exceed- 
ingly inviting and refreshing to the eye weary of 
contemplating the dust and dryness of the streets 
parched by the summer sun. Without were several 
great silver maple trees and numerous ornamental 
shrubs. Mme. Morrel drew close to Zuleika on the 
rustic bench they occupied and, taking the young 
girl's hand, said to her, in a soft voice: 

"This is a delicious spot, my child." 

"Yes," replied Monte- Cristo's daughter, "it is, in- 
deed, delicious. "When here, I always feel as if I 
could pour out my whole heart into the bosom of 
some faithful friend." 

"Do so in this instance, my dear," said Mme. Mor- 
rel, persuasively. "I trust I am a faithful friend, as 
well as a discreet one." 

"I believe you," rejoined Zuleika. "Ever since you 
have been in our house I have felt so and longed to 
make you my confidante, but I have hesitated to take 
such a step, fearing to burden you with troubles that 
might distress you." 

"Have no further fears on that score then, but 
speak freely and with the certainty that in your 
sorrows, whatever they may be, you will find me a 
sincere sympathizer and comforter." 

Zuleika took Valentine's hand, and, gazing into her 
face with tearful eyes, said: 

"You have noticed that I had sorrows, Mme. 
Morrel?" 

"Yes; how could I help it? But I have done 
more; I have divined their cause!" 



188 



ZULEIKA AND MME. M0RREL. 



Zuleika gave a slight start. 

"Divined their cause, Mme. Morrel?" 

"Yes," answered Valentine. "You are in love!" 

The young girl blushed, but appeared relieved. 
Mme. Morrel had divined her love, had divined that 
her sorrows arose from it, but she had not divined 
the nature of the shadow that clouded her budding 
life and filled her with, grief and apprehension. 

"Zuleika," continued Valentine, with the utmost ■ 
tenderness and consideration, "I, too, have loved, 
deeply and desperately; I, too, have felt all the bitter 
pangs that arise from separation; but I have realized 
my dream at last, and the shadows that surrounded 
me have been swept away by the blessed sunshine of 
union and happiness. Confide in me, my child. If I 
cannot drive your shadows from you, I can at least 
give you true sympathy and the consolation that it 
affords." 

"They will be welcome to me, unspeakably wel- 
come, madame," replied Zuleika, tremulously. 
"Then tell me all." 

"I cannot, madame; I have no right to; but I can 
tell you enough to wring your heart, to show you 
how unfortunate I am." 

"My poor girl, I understand and appreciate your 
scruples. You do not wish to compromise your 1 
lover, and you are right. Your decision does you 
honor. Is the man you love in Paris?" 

"Alas! no. I believe he is in Eome." 

"Then you do not know his whereabouts with 
certainty ? " 



ZULEIKA AND MME. M0RREL. 



189 



"No, madame." 

"Does your father disapprove of his suit?" 

"He did not at the outset, bat very painful circum- 
stances have since arisen, causing him to alter his 
determination, or, at least, hold his consent in abey- 
ance. Still, I think he believes Giovanni can and 
will refute the dreadful charge that has been made 
against him." 

"Giovanni? Your lover is then an Italian?" 

"Yes, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti." 

"You became acquainted with him here in Paris?" 

"No, madame; in Eome." 

"And you think he has gone thither to clear him- 
self of the charge you mention?" 

"Yes, madame. He came to Paris to solicit my 
hand, but suddenly disappeared after the terrible 
charge was made. I have not heard from him since 
and his silence weighs upon me like lead." 

"I do not wonder at it; but, perhaps, after all, he 
is only waiting for a complete vindication and does 
not wish to write until he has everything satisfacto- 
rily arranged. I do not ask you the nature of the 
charge, Zuleika, and would not allow you to state it 
to me even if you were so disposed. But answer me 
one question. You have entire faith in Giovanni's 
innocence, have you not?" 

"I have, madame." 

"You are sure he loves you, that he has not trifled 
with your affections?" 
"I am sure, madame." 
"He is young, is he not?" 



190 



ZULEIKA AND MME. MORREL. 



"Yes, madame, lie is young." 

" Doubtlessly his fault, whatever it may have been, 
was simply an indiscretion due to his }^ears that has 
been magnified and made to assume unwarranted pro- 
portions by the tongues of envy and scandal. If so, 
he will repair it and return to you. If he is alto- 
gether innocent, as }^ou feel convinced, he will move 
heaven and earth to justify himself in your father's 
eyes and yours. Love is potent, Zuleika, and will 
accomplish miracles. Trust Giovanni and trust Heaven! 
All will yet be made right between your lover and 
yourself!" 

"Would that I could feel so, madame, but I 
cannot ! ,1 

"And why, pray?" 

"Because Giovanni evidently has powerful enemies 
in Eome and its vicinity who, no doubt, are at this 
moment operating against him and using all their 
efforts to prevent him from succeeding in his mission." 

"What makes you think he has such remorseless 
enemies?" 

"A letter my father received from Rome in re- 
sponse to inquiries he made and the illusion — it must 
be an illusion — under which my brother Esperance 
labors in regard to Giovanni." 

"Your brother Esperance! Then he believes in 
young Massetti's guilt?" 

"Alas! yes; he firmly believes in it and stigmatizes 
the Viscount as the worst of scoundrels." 

"Has he given you the reasons for his belief, has 
he stated them to your father?" 



ZULEIKA AND MME. M0KREL. 191 



"He lias dealt only in vague, mysterious allusions; 
an oath of silence, it appears, prevents him from 
speaking out." 

"An oath of silence?" 

"Yes, and Giovanni is also likewise bound." 
"Indeed! What is your lover's reputation in Rome? " 
"Of the very best; he is there regarded as the soul 
of honor." 

"Save by his enemies. So far so good. Do you 
know the standing of his family?" 

"It is one of the oldest, most respected, most aris- 
tocratic and wealthiest in the Eternal City." 

"Another strong point in the young man's favor. 
Zuleika, I am satisfied that the mystery surrounding 
your lover can be cleared away; but I am also satis- 
fied that he needs assistance, the assistance of persons 
deeply interested in you, who have your welfare at 
heart and cherish your happiness as their own." 

"But such persons cannot be found, madame. Of 
course my father and brother are deeply interested in" 
me, have my welfare at heart and desire to see me 
happy. They, however, are not disposed to aid Gio- 
vanni, my brother for reasons of his own and my 
father because he thinks that the Viscount should 
work his own rehabilitation. No, madame, such per- 
sons as you mention cannot be found." 

"They can be found, Zuleika, and you will not 
have far to look for them either!" 

Mme. Morrel gazed at Monte-Cristo's daughter with 
enthusiasm in her fine eyes. The girl was at a 
loss to understand her. 



192 



ZULEIKA AND MME. MO REEL. 



"Surely you do not mean Albert de Morcerf and 
Eugenie ? " she said. 

"No." replied Valentine. "They love you, undoubt- 
edly, but the needful assistance is not to be obtained 
from them." 

"Certainly you cannot allude to Mile, d' Armilly 
or Ali, my father's devoted Nubian servant?" 
"No, I do not allude to them!' 7 
"Whom then do you mean?" 
"Cannot you guess, Zuleika?" 

A sudden thought came to Zuleika, filling her with 
intense amazement. 

"You cannot mean yourself and your husband, 
Mme. Morrel?" she gasped. 

"And why not, my child?" answered Valentine, 
sweetly. "All the assistance we can render you will 
be but a weak, inadequate return for what your 
father has done for as. He saved me from death, 
withdrew the suicidal pistol from Maximilian's hand, 
comforted us in our time of darkest despair, and 
finally brought us together after a separation that 
even M. Morrel deemed eternal, simultaneously placing 
in our hands wealth sufficient to make us altogether 
independent of the accidents and disasters of this 
world. Besides, before that he was the benefactor of 
M. Morrel's father, saving him also from suicide, sui- 
cide that he had determined upon as the only means 
of avoiding terrible disgrace. You see, Zuleika, that 
we have abundant motives for aiding you." 

"Oh! madame — Valentine — you utterly overwhelm 
me! How can I show my gratitude to you?" 



ZULEIKA AND MME. MOEEEL. 



193 



"By accepting my offer!" 

These words were accompanied by a look of ineffa- 
ble tenderness and sincerity. They instantly brought 
hope to Zuleika's heart. She burst into a flood of 
tears, but they were tears of joy. Still, she hesitated. 
What would her father say if she accepted Mme. 
Morrel's generous proposition? 

"Do you accept, Zuleika? " pursued Mme. Morrel. 

"I thank you from the depths of my soul, madame; 
but I cannot accept the sacrifice you and your kind, 
manly husband would make for me ! My father 
would censure me, would never forgive me for adopt- 
ing such a selfish course!" 

" Trust your father to me, my child." 

" Oh ! madame ! Accept your offer without con- 
sulting him?" 

"There is no need to consult him, there is no need 
for him to know anything whatever about the matter, 
for the present at least. It will be time enough to 
tell him what we have done when success has 
crowned our efforts. Should we unhappily fail, a 
thought that I cannot for an instant entertain, there 
will be no occasion to tell him anything at all." 

At that moment a man's voice was heard calling 
at a distance: 

"Valentine, Valentine, where are you?" 

"It is Maximilian," said Mme. Morrel to Zuleika. 
"He comes very opportunely!" Then raising her 
voice she answered him: "Here, Maximilian, here, 
in the summer pavilion at the extremity of the 
garden !" 
12 



194 



ZULE1KA AND MME. MORREL. 



The husband hastened to the spot, and Valentine, 
making him seat himself beside her and Monte-Cristo's 
daughter, told him all she had just learned. She also 
communicated to him the offer she had made to Zu- 
leika, adding: 

"You will consent to it, I know, Maximilian!" 

"Gladly," answered the young soldier. "Had you 
not made the proposal, I should have made it my- 
self!" 

"Then we have but to induce Zuleika to authorize 
us to act. The poor child, however, hesitates, fearing 
the Count's displeasure." 

"She need not authorize us," said Maximilian, 
quickly. "We will assume the entire responsibility 
of the step! But it will be necessary for her to 
confide in us more fully, to give us the data upon 
which to build our plans. I will get letters of intro- 
duction to the Viscount Massetti and, once acquainted 
with him, the rest will be easy." 

Later that night Zuleika told Mme. Morrel every- 
thing without reserve, even giving her a little note to 
Giovanni which stated that Valentine and Maximilian 
were her dearest friends and had come to Home ex- 
pressly to aid him in his troubles. 

A week after the momentous interview in the pa- 
vilion M. and Mme. Morrel set out for Italy, inform- 
ing their friends in the mansion on the Eue du 
Helder that they intended being absent some time, 
but refraining from giving even the slightest hint of 
the object of their journey. 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



195 



CHAPTEE XV. 

AN UNEXPECTED MEETING-. 

ONE morning shortly after the departure of the 
Morrels for Eome, the Count of Monte-Cristo 
was driving along the Champs-Elysees in his elegant 
barouche drawn by a pair of spirited, blooded bays, 
when, near the Eond-point, his progress was suddenly 
checked by a great, tumultuous concourse of people. 
Leaning from his carriage, he asked a workman the 
cause of the unwonted commotion and was informed 
that two Italians had been arrested for theft and 
were being taken to the poste of the quarter by a 
couple of gardiens de la paix. He thought nothing 
of the circumstance and was calmly waiting for an 
opportunity to proceed when the crowd about the ba- 
rouche opened and the officers appeared with their 
captives. The Count was not much interested, but, 
nevertheless, bestowed a passing glance upon the 
malefactors, who were loudly protesting their innocence 
in broken, almost unintelligible French, and offering 
a stout resistance. They were roughly attired in blue 
blouses, wearing felt hats that were pulled down and 
obscured their countenances. One of the men in cus- 
tody caught hold of a spoke of a wheel of Monte- 
Cristo's vehicle, grasping it with such iron firmness 
that all the efforts of the policeman in charge of him 



196 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



failed to shake off his clutch. The Count ordered Ali, 
who was acting as coachman, to hand him the reins, 
dismount and assist the gardien. 

At the sound of his voice, the man who had 
grasped the spoke looked up with a start and, with- 
out relaxing his hold, cried out in Italian: 

"Say a word for me, your Excellency! The Count 
of Monte- Cristo should have as much power over the 
myrmidons of the French law as over Luigi Vampa 
and his band!" 

This exclamation amazed and startled the Count, so 
strange and unlooked for was it. He gazed penetra- 
tingly at the malefactor who had uttered it, but his 
scrutiny was unrewarded by recognition. 

"Who are you?" he asked, as soon as his amaze- 
ment permitted him to speak, also making use of the 
Italian language. " You are a perfect stranger to me, 
yet you know my name and seem acquainted with 
some of my actions in the past. Who are you?" 

U I am Peppino," answered the man, without taking 
his eyes from the Count. " My companion who is 
being dragged away yonder is Beppo." 

"Peppino? — Beppo?" said the Count, musingly. 
"Surely I have heard those names before, but they 
are common in Italy, especially in Eome, and I have 
been there frequently. Be more explicit, man." 

"I will," replied the Italian. "I am the Peppino 
who served you so well when Luigi Vampa held the 
French banker, Danglars, in captivity at your behest. 
As for Beppo, you cannot have forgotten him; he 
also was a member of Vampa's band at that period." 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



197 



"Yes," said Monte- Cristo, "I remember both of you 
now, but what can I do for you? Paris is vastly 
different from Eome, and my influence with the 
French police is not by any means equal to that I 
wielded over Vampa and his brigands at the time 
you speak of." 

"The Count of Monte-Cristo's power is unbounded 
anywhere in the entire world/' rejoined the man, his 
brightened visage showing clearly the extent of his 
faith. "A word from him will release both Beppo 
and myself. Speak that word, your Excellency, and 
set us free!" 

Ali had refrained from interfering when he heard 
this singular conversation, which he fully understood. 
He was waiting for farther orders from his master. 

The policeman grew impatient and, giving the 
Italian a rough shake, said to him : 

" Come now, let go that spoke and submit. Don't 
you see that you are disturbing the Count of Monte- 
Cristo? His Excellency will do nothing for such a 
scoundrel as you. Come, let go that spoke, I say!" 

Peppino, however, would not obey and continued to 
supplicate the Count to interfere in behalf of Beppo 
and himself. At last, driven to desperation by Monte- 
Cristo's inaction, he cried out to him: 

"If your Excellency will do nothing for us without 
recompense, I will give that recompense; I will tell 
you in exchange for your efforts in our behalf all I 
know concerning the black conspiracy against the 
Viscount Giovanni Massetti!" 

The Count was visibly moved by this speech. He 



198 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



stared at Peppino as if lie thought that he had not 
heard aright. 

" The Viscount Giovanni Massetti! A black conspi- 
racy against him! What do you mean?" he inquired, 
quickly. 

"Just what I say, your Excellency," answered the 
Italian. " I know that the Viscount visited the Pal- 
azzo Costi in Eome when you inhabited it with your 
family, and that he fell in love with your daughter. 
I also know the details of a plot by which a network 
of crushing circumstances has been woven about him 
with the view of burying him beneath a weight 
of shame, dishonor and even of crime! I can reveal 
those details and will do so if you aid my companion 
and myself in our present difficulty. Do I interest 
you, Signor Count?" 

" Vastly," answered Monte-Cristo, his face assuming 
a serious look. "Go quietly with the gardien to the 
poste. I will follow immediately and see what can 
be done." 

"Yes, your Excellencj^," said Peppino, submissively, 
and abandoning his grasp of the spoke he allowed 
the policeman to bear him away without further 
trouble. Meanwhile Beppo and the officer in whose 
custody he was had disappeared in the distance. 

Those who had been near enough to the Count's 
barouche to witness this extraordinary scene were 
greatly astonished that such a famous character as the 
eloquent Deput}^ from Marseilles should stoop to con- 
verse with a malefactor in the public street, but their 
astonishment was immeasurably augmented when they 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



193 



saw tlie influence the celebrated orator exercised over 
the depraved Italian. They had not been able to 
understand the conversation, but the effect of -Monte- 
Cristo's last words seemed little less than miraculous 
to them and they rent the air with loud and enthusi- 
astic cheers. 

"Long live the noble Count of Monte-Cristo! Long 
live the Deputy from Marseilles, the people's friend!" 
was shouted on every side. 

Further on the cry was taken up and repeated, 
ringing forth far along the broad and beautiful 
Champs-Elysees! 

Monte-Cristo arose in his barouche and, removing 
his hat, stood bareheaded, bowing to the excited 
populace. 

This was the signal for new and heartier cheers. 
But the criminals having been removed, the crowd 
soon began to disperse. At length the thoroughfare 
was cleared and the Count's vehicle could proceed. 
Ali had impassibly resumed the driver's seat and, at 
a nod from his adored master, started the spirited 
horses down the immense avenue. As the blooded 
bays went prancing along with proudly arched necks, 
the Count bent over and said to Ali: 

"Drive at once to the poste of the quarter." 

The Nubian skilfully wheeled the animals about 
and. in a few minutes Monte-Cristo had reached his 
destination. 

At the door of the poste a gardien received him 
and, at the mention of his na-me, obsequiously con- 
ducted him to the officer in charge. The latter, a 



200 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



short, determined-looking man with a bristling gray 
moustache and gray hair that stood almost on end 
upon his little round head, recognized his illustrious 
visitor at a glance. He hastily arose from the desk 
at which he was seated, engaged in examining the 
reports of his subordinates, and politely offered him a 
chair. Then he asked, deferentially: 

" To what am I indebted for so distinguished an 
honor as a call from the Count of Monte-Cristo? " 

" Monsieur," replied the Count, taking the proffered 
seat, "two Italians were arrested a short time ago 
on the Champs-Elysees and brought hither." 

"Yes," said the chief of the poste, "and great 
scoundrels they are, too! We have been shadowing 
them for some time, but could never detect them in 
any overt act until to-day. They belong to a very 
dangerous gang of prowlers, led by a shrewd German 
named Waldmann, whose headquarters are in a 
wretched caboulot of the Cite d' Antin." 

" Of what are these Italians accused, that is what 
is the present specific charge against them?" 

"They were caught picking pockets in the crowd 
thronging about a marionette show." 

"Is the evidence against them conclusive?" 

" It is." 

"That is unfortunate," said the Count, "as one of 
them is in possession of information of the utmost 
importance to me. He has made partial revelations, 
but sets as the price of a full disclosure my interfe- 
rence in behalf of himself and his comrade in crime. 
What can be done?" 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



201 



"I do not see," replied the chief, in perplexity. 
"It is impossible for me to let the men off'.'' 

"But is there not some way in which I could ob- 
tain a mitigation of their punishment? 1 ' 

" Oh ! as for that, yes," said the officer, brightening. 
"If you would speak to the Procureur de la Kepub- 
lique, I am sure he would grant you the minimum 
sentence in such cases. Perhaps," added he, as a sud- 
den thought struck him, "he might even be induced 
not to press the prosecution, in which event the men 
would be discharged." 

" Thank you, monsieur," said the Count, rising. " I 
will act upon your wise suggestion without delay. 
But can you grant me a small favor? Can you allow 
me a brief interview with the man calling himself 
Peppino? " 

" Undoubtedly," answered the chief, in a cordial 
voice, "and I shall be very glad to do so if it will 
assist you any." 

" It will enable me to assure the man that I am 
at work and have some hope of success." 

" Then follow me." 

The chief, who had remained standing out of com- 
pliment to the Count, took a large key from a rack 
behind his desk and opened a door leading into a 
long, dimly -lighted corridor. Monte -Cristo followed 
him through this gloomy passage until they came to 
a cell before which the chief stopped. The large key 
grated in the lock, the door of the cell swung open 
with an ominous sound and the Count found himself 
face to face with the former Eoman bandit. 



202 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



Peppino was sitting on the edge of an iron bed- 
stead, the very picture of despair. He thought that 
Monte- Cristo had deserted him, that he would not 
interfere even with the prospect of obtaining the 
details of the plot against young Massetti. As the 
Count entered the cell his countenance brightened 
instantly and hope was renewed in his bosom. The 
chief discreetly withdrew, saying as he did so: 

"I will wait without, in the corridor." 

With these words he closed the door of the cell 
and Monte- Cristo found himself alone with Peppino. 

All the light that made its way into the gloomy 
cell came through a small grated window high up in 
the wall, placed at such a distance from the floor 
that no prisoner could reach it even by climbing 
upon his bedstead. The walls and ceiling were of 
stone. 

"Well," asked Peppino, "how has your Excellency 
succeeded ? " 

"I have made but little progress as yet, though I 
hope to be able to do something for you and Beppo 
in a very short time," answered the Count, in a reas- 
suring voice. 

"I am satisfied," said Peppino, cheerily; "If your 
Excellency only determines upon it, Beppo and my- 
self will shortly be free ! " • 

"I cannot go that far, my good fellow, but I can 
and do promise you all my aid and influence can 
effect." 

"They will effect everything necessary, Signor 
Count," replied the Italian, confidently. 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



203 



"Do not hope for too much, Peppino. I have told 
you that Paris is different from Kome." 

"I have occasion now to know that," rejoined 
the outlaw, bitterly. "But the power of the Count 
of Monte-Cristo is the same here as in the campagna!" 

"Keep up a stout heart, at all events, my good 
fellow. We shall soon know what can be done." 

"I will keep up a stout heart, Signor Count, for I 
have perfect faith in you!" 

"So be it. Now, my man, what do you know 
about the plot against the Viscount Massetti? " 

"Pardon me, Signor Count," said the Italian, 
shrewdly, "but I will tell you that when Beppo and 
myself are at liberty!" 

Monte-Cristo smiled at the man's cunning. 

"At least," he said, "tell me if you have seen the 
Viscount recently." 

"I will do that, your Excellency. I saw him a very 
short time ago in Eome and afterwards with Luigi 
Vampa and Pasquale Solara in the marshy country 
beyond the -Trastavere." 

" "What brought you and your companion to Paris ? " 

"We had a disagreement with old Solara, whom 
Luigi Vampi insisted we should obey implicity. Sol- 
ara was a tyrant ; besides, he was as greedy and ava- 
ricious as a miser; he wanted everything for himself 
and would allow us nothing; he demanded that all 
the booty we acquired should be brought directly to 
him without division, stating that he would parcel 
out our shares; this he invariably failed to do and 
naturally we rebelled. Vampa, who has become, if 



204 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



lie was not always so, old Pasquale's fast friend, de- 
cided against ns whenever we carried our complaints 
to liim. Finally we conld stand it no longer; we 
were absolutely starving while Solara was heaping up 
riches, so we determined to quit the band. We did 
so and came to Paris, where we have been ever 
since." 

"I will not ask you what you have been doing in 
Paris," said Monte-Cristo, smiling faintly; "in fact, I 
need not ask you, for I know; the chief of the poste 
has told me ; but will you promise me to lead a bet- 
ter life in future and to try to induce Beppo to do 
the same, if I should succeed in effecting your 
release? " 

"I cannot promise you that," replied the Italian, 
with averted eyes, "but I will promise you to return 
to Eome and take Beppo with me." 

" That will do as well, or almost as well," said the 
Count. "Armed with such a promise, I think I can 
obtain your freedom. But you must swear to me to 
leave France immediately after you have been set at 
liberty, and I shall consider your oath as binding 
upon Beppo also." 

"J swear to leave France the very moment I am 
free! I swear, too, that Beppo shall accompany me!" 

"It is well," said the Count. "I shall be here 
again this afternoon or to-morrow at the furthest; 
but remember that before you leave this cell you 
must give me the full details of the conspiracy against 
young Massetti!" 

"I shall remember it, Signor Count; have no fear 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. 



205 



of that! When I have spoken old Solara must look 
out for himself!" 

"What do you mean by that?" asked Monte-Cristo, 
sharply. 

" Never mind at present, Signor Count! I will make 
everything clear to you on your return." 

The Deputy from Marseilles quitted the cell and 
the poste, after having thanked the chief for his 
courtesy. He drove without delay to the office of the 
Procureur de la Bepublique in the Palais de Justice, 
and it was not long before he had matters satis- 
factorily arranged. The Procureur cheerfully agreed 
not to push the charge against the Italians on condi- 
tion that Monte-Cristo pledged himself they should 
leave Paris immediately after the Juge d 7 Instruction 
had discharged them. This pledge the Count made 
without the slightest hesitation, and it was decided 
that the Juge d' Instruction should hold his formal 
examination at the poste that afternoon, when the 
Procureur would appear through his Deputy and 
order the cessation of the proceedings for full and 
sufficient reasons. The Procureur agreed to notify the 
Count of the exact hour of the examination that he 
might be present and ready to execute his share of 
the compact. 

As Monte-Cristo drove back to the mansion of the 
Eue du Helder he could not help feeling considerably 
agitated. What was he about to learn from Peppino, 
and how would the Italian's disclosures affect Mas- 
setti? These were problems that the next few hours 
were destined to solve. 



206 



AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S RUINS. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S RUINS. 

ONE of the first things Maximilian Morrel did, 
after he and his wife were comfortably in- 
stalled at the Hotel de France in Rome, was to make 
a formal call at the Palazzo Massetti and present his 
letters of introduction to the aged Count, Giovanni's 
father. 

The old nobleman, who was at least seventy and 
very patriarchal in appearance because of his flowing 
white locks and long snowy beard, received the 
young Frenchman with great urbanity and condescen- 
sion in a sumptuously furnished salon full of rare 
art treasures and dazzling with gold and satin. He 
met him with outstretched hand and said, warmly, at 
the same time glancing at the Captain's card as if to 
refresh his memory: 

"I am delighted to have the honor of welcoming 
so distinguished a visitor as Captain Maximilian Mor- 
rel to the Palazzo Massetti. Pray be seated, Captain, 
and consider my residence as yours." 

The Count spoke French fluently, without even the 

faintest trace of a foreign accent, and this fact as 

well as his charmingly cordial manner caused the 

young soldier immediately to feel at ease in his pre- 
sence. 



AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S KUINS. 



207 



"I assure you, Count, 77 returned Maximilian, bowing 
and then seating himself, "that the pleasure is 
mutual.' 7 

The aged nobleman also took a chair, and for a 
time they conversed agreeably on various subjects. 
The Count had been a brave, active soldier in his 
day and was much interested in French military af- 
fairs. The visitor, who was thoroughly posted on 
this topic and devotedly attached to his profession, 
gave his inquisitive host every detail he demanded 
and was particularly enthusiastic when he spoke of 
the Parisian workmen, who, as he asserted, could 
leave their accustomed toil at a moment's notice . and 
encounter the perils of the battlefield with the en- 
durance of trained veterans. 

At length Maximilian thought he could venture to 
feel the ground in regard to his mission. It was 
certainly a very delicate matter, but the Count's po- 
liteness and bonhomie encouraged him to proceed. 
Looking the old nobleman straight in the face he 
said : 

"I believe, Count, you have a son named Giovanni, 
who was recently in Paris. 77 

Instantly the aged Roman's brow clouded and he 
cast a scrutinizing glance at his guest. Then he said, 
coldly : 

"I have no son! 77 

Maximilian in his turn gazed searchingly at the 
Count, but the latter's visage had already assumed a 
stony and defiant look that seemed to oppose an in- 
surmountable barrier to further conversation on this 



208 



AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S RUINS. 



subject. There was an awkward pause, during which 
the two men continued to gaze at each other. M. 
Morrel, though much embarrassed and disconcerted by 
the prompt check he had received, was the first to 
break the ominous silence. 

"I ask your pardon, Count," said he, "but the 
young man of whom I spoke represented himself to be 
the Viscount Giovanni Massetti. Is it possible that 
he was an impostor?" 

The Count's aspect became more frigid; he replied, 
icily : 

"I repeat that I have no son!" 

Maximilian was sorely puzzled. He knew not what 
to think or say. The old nobleman arose as if to 
terminate the interview. He showed no trace of ex- 
citement, but M. Morrel felt certain that he was a 
prey to an internal agitation that he with difficulty 
controlled. There could be no doubt that Giovanni 
was what he had represented himself to be, for had 
he not passed as the Viscount Massetti in Eome as 
well as in Paris? But one solution to the mystery 
offered itself — the Count had disowned his son, dis- 
owned him because of the terrible crime with which 
he was charged, from which he had been apparently 
unable to clear himself. M. Morrel also arose, but he 
was unwilling to depart thus, to be summarily dis- 
missed as it were. He determined to make one more 
effort to get at the truth. 

" Count," he said, " I do not wish you to misunder- 
stand me, to impute to mere idle curiosity my desire 
to be informed concerning this unfortunate and un- 



amid the colosseum's ruins. 



209 



happy young man. I know that a black cloud liangs 
over him, that at present he is branded and disgraced. 
I was not aware, however, that his family had cast 
him off." 

" Monsieur," returned the Count, impatiently, " you 
are strangely persistent." 

"I am persistent, Count," said Maximilian, earnestly, 
"because the Viscount Massetti is not alone in his 
misfortune. Another, an estimable young lady, is now 
languishing in Paris on his account." 

" I pity her ! " said the old nobleman, impressively. 

"So do I," rejoined Maximilian; "from the bottom 
of my heart I pity them both and that is the reason 
I am here." 

"May I ask the name of this estimable young 
lady?" 

"Certainly. Her name is Zuleika; she is the 
daughter of the world-famous Count of Monte-Cristo." 

Old Massetti gave a start and the muscles of his 
face twitched nervously, but he managed to control 
himself and said: 

"Indeed! Permit me to inquire what relations the 
young man sustained towards the daughter of the 
Count of Monte-Cristo." 

" She is or rather was betrothed to him." 

"My God! Another victim! Does the girl love 
him?" 

"She does, with all her soul!" 
"Did he betray her, did he lead her astray? ,; 
" No ; his conduct towards her was in all respects 
that of a man of the strictest honor." 
13 



210 amid the Colosseum's ruins. 



"Heaven be praised for that! Then no damage 
lias been done! Let her forget him!" 
"I fear, I know, she cannot!" 
" She is young, isn't she ? " 
"Very young." 

"Then time will heal her wounds. She must for- 
get him, for he is unworthy of her love!" 

"But do you feel no affection, no pity, for your 
son? " 

"I tell you I have no son! How many times 
must I repeat it! " 

The Count's look was harder than ever; all the 
pride and haughtiness of the Massettis seemed concen- 
trated in the expression of his venerable countenance. 
Maximilian opened his lips to speak again, but the 
old nobleman stopped him and said, sternly: 

"We have had enough of this! Captain Morrel, let 
what has passed between us on this wretched subject 
be forgotten. I shall be glad to receive you at any 
hour as a friend, but, if you value my acquaintance, 
my friendship, never mention that young man to me 
again! Farewell, Monsieur!" 

The Count touched a bell and a valet appeared. 
Maximilian bowed to his host and, guided by the ser- 
vant, quitted the palazzo. In the street he stood for 
a moment like one utterly bewildered. It was plain 
that the elder Massetti had fully made up his mind 
as to Giovanni's guilt, and if the father deserted his 
son what hope was there that the cold, heartless 
world would not follow his example? Maximilian 
was in despair. At the very first step in his mission 



AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S RUINS. 



211 



he had been unceremoniously and firmly halted. 
What was he to do? Should he acknowledge him- 
self finally defeated because his initial attempt had 
failed so disastrously? No; that would be miserable 
cowardice ! He would persist, he would make further 
investigations. He had undertaken this work for Zu- 
leika, to restore happiness to her heart and light to 
her eyes, and he would not abandon the task, no 
matter how arduous it might be, until he had cleared 
Giovanni or obtained tangible, incontrovertible proof 
of his guilt ! 

Fortified by this resolution M. Morrel returned to 
the Hotel de France. Valentine met him with a look 
of anxious m inquiry. He endeavoured to seem cheer- 
ful, to make the best of the situation, but the effort 
was a pitiful failure. He sank into a chair and said 
to his wife in a dejected tone: 

"I have seen the Count Massetti. He believes his 
son guilty and has disowned him!" 

Valentine seated herself beside her husband and 
tenderly took his hand. 

"Maximilian," she said, "it is a bad beginning, I 
confess, but you know the proverb and, I trust, the 
good ending will yet come ! " 

"It will not- be our fault if it does not," replied her 
husband, heroically. "At all events, we will do our 
best." 

"And we shall succeed! I feel confident of that!" 

"Thank you for those words, Valentine! You are 
a perfect enchantress and have brought my dead hope 
to life!" 



212 



amid the Colosseum's ruins. 



That evening the Morrels 7 decided to visit the 
Colosseum. They desired to see the gigantic remains 
of that vast fabric of the Caesars by moonlight, to in- 
spect amid the silvery rays the crumbling courts and 
galleries that ages agone had echoed with the proud 
tread of the 6lite of barbaric old Eome ! Conducted 
by a guide belonging to the Hotel de France, they 
set out and were soon standing among the ruins of 
the great amphitheatre. There they were seized upon 
by a special cicerone, who seemed to consider the 
huge wreck of Flavius Vespasian's monument as his 
particular property and who could not be shaken off. 
He joined forces with the hotel guide and the twain, 
jabbering away industriously in an almost unintelligible 
jargon, led the helpless visitors from one point of in- 
terest to another, showing them in turn broken 
columns, the seats of the Yestals, dilapidated stone 
staircases, the " Fosse des Lions" and the u Podium 
des Cesars." Maximilian and Valentine were filled 
with unspeakable awe and admiration as they contem- 
plated the remnants of ancient grandeur, and mentally 
peopled the wondrous Colosseum with contending 
gladiators, stately Patricians and the applauding herd 
of sanguinary Plebeians, Mme. Morrel shuddering as 
she thought of the thousands of high-bred dames and 
beautiful maidens who in the old clays had pitilessly 
turned down their thumbs as a signal for the taking 
of human Jife! Although the moon was brilliant and 
flooded the antique amphitheatre with argentine light, 
the guides carried torches, which served to spread a 
flickering and wan illumination through the dark 



amid the Colosseum's kuins. 



213 



recesses of the cavernous vomitariums, now the refuge 
of bats, owls, goats and serpents. 

As they were passing through a long and unusually 
sombre gallery, the guides suddenly paused with a 
simultaneous cry and began making the sign of the 
cross. Maximilian and Valentine halted in affright, 
the former hurriedly drawing a small pistol to defend 
his wife and himself against the unknown and mys- 
terious danger. They glanced about them but could 
see nothing, the torches revealing only huge stones 
and dust-covered vaults. M. Morrel demanded of the 
guides what was the cause of their terror, but for 
some moments could glean no intelligence from their 
vague, unintelligible replies. At last one of the cice- 
rones managed to explain that they had seen the 
maniac! This was comforting information to the visi- 
tors! A maniac at large and ranging at night about 
amid the Colosseum's ruins ! Valentine, trembling 
with fear, clung to her husband for protection. 

"Is it a man or a woman?" asked Maximilian of 
one of the guides. 

"A man, signor." 

"Is he violent, dangerous ?" 

"No, signor, neither; but his appearance gives one 
a terrible shock, he is so wild-looking, and, besides, 
he mutters fearful curses! Holy Virgin, protect us!" 

Maximilian felt his curiosity aroused ; a strange 
desire took possession of him to see and speak with 
this singular madman, who frequented the gladiators 7 
courts and muttered fearful curses to the broken 
columns of the Colosseum. 



amid the colosseum's ruins. 



"Where is the maniac now?" he demanded of the 
guides. "Do you see him?" 

"Heaven forbid!" replied one of the men, glancing 
about him uneasily. 

" But where is he ? Can you take us to him ? " 
persisted Maximilian. 

The cicerones looked at each other in amazement ; 
the young soldier's questions startled them. Valentine 
was not less amazed and startled than the guides ; 
she stared at her husband, speechless at the strange 
interest he displayed in this miserable outcast. 

"Can you take us to him?" repeated Maximilian. 

"Signor," said the guide belonging to the hotel, 
"you are jesting! " 

"I am not jesting, I am in earnest," said M. Morrel. 
"Answer my question." 

" Of course, we can take }~ou to him, signor," an- 
swered the guide; "but you had best avoid him; the 
sight of the wretched Massetti will drive your lady 
out of her wits!" 

At the name Massetti both Maximilian and Valen- 
tine started; they glanced at each other and at the 
man who had spoken, thinking that they had not 
heard aright. 

" Massetti ! " cried M. Morrel, when his astonishment 
permitted him to find words. " Did you say Massetti? " 

" Yes, signor, I said Massetti. The maniac is old 
Count Massetti's disowned and disinherited son ! " 

" What ! The Viscount Giovanni ? " 

"The same, signor!" 

"Oh! this is dreadful, dreadful, Maximilian!" 



AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S RUINS. 



215 



whispered Valentine, clinging still closer to her hus- 
band. 

"It is, indeed, dreadful; doubly so because entirely 
unexpected," said M. Morrel. "But I must see young 
Massetti — it was, no doubt, some mysterious influence, 
some indescribable magnetic power, operating between 
us, that made me wish to see this man, this maniac, as 
soon as he was mentioned! — I must see him and 
at once! " 

As the guides possessed but a very slight know- 
ledge of the French language, in which the dialogue 
between the husband and wife had been carried on, 
they failed to grasp the full import of the brief con- 
versation; they, however, understood that their patrons 
were in some inexplicable way interested in the 
maniac of the Colosseum and appalled by the sudden 
discovery of his identity. The situation puzzled and 
dissatisfied them. 

After thinking for an instant, Maximilian said to 
his wife: 

"I will instruct the guide from the hotel to con- 
duct you back to our apartments. It is best that I 
should meet poor Massetti alone; seeing the wretched 
man in his present terrible condition would certainly 
shock and unnerve you." 

Valentine gazed pleadingly into her husband's face. 
All her fear had left her. She was calm now and 
resolved. She had proposed the trip to Eome, the 
project of aiding the Viscount, and she did not wish 
to recoil from taking a single step that might be 
beneficial to Giovanni and Zuleika. She said, bravely : 



'216 



AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S RUINS. 



"Do not send me from yon, Maximilian! I will be 
stout-hearted and courageous ! I am not afraid of this 
poor young man now, maniac though he be ! Per- 
haps I may be able to help you in dealing with him, 
for a woman's wit and tenderness, they say, can 
sometimes subdue and pacify those whose minds are 
disordered when all a man's efforts have failed." 

Maximilian looked at her lovingly and admiringly. 

"So be it, Valentine," he replied, much affected. 
"You shall remain with me and we will face the 
trial together!" 

His wife's eyes expressed her satisfaction at this 
display of confidence ; she simply grasped her hus- 
band's hand, but though she uttered not a word the 
warm pressure she gave it spoke volumes. 

M. Morrel turned to the cicerones, who were wait- 
ing in silent bewilderment. 

"Take us to this maniac without an instant's 
delay! " he said. 

The guides exchanged glances, shook their heads as 
if in protest and again began making the sign of the 
• cross. Maximilian was compelled to repeat his com- 
mand somewhat sternly and imperatively before they 
made a movement to obey it; then very reluctantly 
they motioned their patrons to follow them and took 
the lead, muttering prayers to the Blessed Virgin. 

The little party quitted the sombre gallery and 
made their way into the open air. After they had 
gone about twenty yards the guides came to an 
abrupt halt and one of them pointed to the centre of 
the vast gladiatorial arena. 



AMID THE COLOSSEUM'S KUINS. 



217 



"Look, signor!" lie said to M. Morrel. " There 
stands the maniac of the Colosseum ! " 

Maximilian and Valentine peered quickly and 
anxiously in the direction indicated but saw nothing. 

"There, signor!" repeated the cicerone, still pointing. 

Then, all of a sudden, Maximilian and Valentine 
beheld the figure of a man standing as motionless as 
a statue beside a vast fragment of stone. The moon- 
light fell full upon a manly, noble form, revealing a 
handsome countenance that might have belonged to 
one of the old Eoman gods. The man's dress was in 
picturesque disorder and on his bare head was a 
crown of ivy leaves. In one hand he held a tall 
staff, while the other was lifted menacingly. 

"Hark!" said one of the guides, with a shudder. 
"He is cursing! " 

M. and Mme. Morrel listened, horror-stricken, filled 
with a nameless dread. A faint, but distinct murmur 
reached them, gradually swelling in volume. It was 
a fierce, bitter malediction, full of intense, burning 
hatred, seeming to embrace God, man and the entire 
universe in its scope. 

The guides fell upon their knees, uncovered their 
heads and prayed to the Virgin in low tones. 

Maximilian took Valentine by the hand. 

"Come," said he, "let us go to him!" 

Mme. Morrel trembled slightly, but answered, firmly: 

"I am ready! " 

Then, hand in hand, slowly, cautiously, not knowing 
what might happen, they advanced towards the maniac 
of the Colosseuto. 



218 



PEPPINO'S STORY. 



CHAPTEE XVII. 

PEPPINO'S STORY. 

AT the appointed hour, of which he had been 
duly notified by the Procureur de la Edpub- 
lique, the Count of Monte-Cristo entered the room set 
apart for the use of the Juge d' Instruction at the 
police poste where Peppino and Beppo were confined. 
The magistrate was already on the judicial bench and 
by his side stood the Deputy Procureur, who was 
explaining to him the wishes of his superior. As 
Monte-Cristo came in he bowed to the Juge and the 
Deputy, who returned his salute with all the respect 
due to so exalted a personage. 

"Messieurs," said the Count, after this exchange of 
civilities, "you are, of course, aware of the reason of 
my presence here this afternoon, so we can proceed 
to business at once, but before the Italians are 
brought in I have a slight favor to ask." 

"Name it, M. the Count/' said the Juge d ? In- 
struction, blandly. "We shall be happy to grant it 
if it lies within our power to do so." 

"Well, messieurs," said the Count of Monte-Cristo, 
stepping upon the platform and leaning on the Juge's 
desk, " it is simply this. The prisoner calling himself 
Peppino is in possession of certain details to which I 
attach considerable importance. He has promised to 



PEPPINO'S STORY. 



219 



reveal them to me as tlie price of his liberty and 
that of his companion. It is needless to say that the 
sole motive of my interference in this matter is to 
obtain these details. Now, from long experience I 
know all the trickery and treachery of the Italian 
nature. Once free, this man might snap his fingers 
in my face and refuse to speak. After the formal- 
ities of the law have been duly complied with, I 
wish the prisoners remanded to their cells and in- 
formed that their liberation will take place only 
when Peppino has given me the promised intelli- 
gence." 

"That will be but a trifling stretch of my author- 
ity," replied the Juge d' Instruction, smiling, "if it is 
any stretch whatever, for, as I understand the case, 
the prisoners are to remain virtually in your custody 
until their departure from France, for which you have 
pledged your word to the Procureur de la Eepublique. 
Hence the favor you ask shall be cheerfully granted." 

As he concluded the Juge d' Instruction glanced at 
the Deputy Procureur, who nodded assent. 

The magistrate touched a bell that stood on his 
desk and said to the gardien de la paix who answered 
the summons : 

" Bring in the prisoners." 

Monte- Cristo and the Deputy retired from the plat- 
form, seating themselves in a couple of fauteuils placed 
at a table immediately in front of the Juge's desk. 

As the two Italians were brought in Peppino glanc- 
ed first at the magistrate on the bench and then at 
the Deputy. Finally his eyes rested on the Count, 



220 



PEPPINO'S STORY. 



when his countenance instantly lighted up; lie instinc- 
tively felt that Monte- Cristo's mysterious influence had 
been fully as potent with the authorities of Paris as 
with Luigi Vampa and his band, that the wonderful 
man had succeeded in effecting the liberation of him- 
self and Beppo. 

"Place the prisoners at the bar," said the Juge d' 
Instruction, addressing the gardien. 

This order was instantly complied with and the two 
Italians stood facing the magistrate. 

" Eemove your hats." 

The prisoners obeyed, Peppino with a confident 
smile, Beppo with a sullen scowl. 

" Prisoners at the bar," said the Juge d' Instruction, 
severely, "you are charged with the offense of pick- 
ing pockets upon the public street. What have you 
to say?" 

This formal and rather menacing beginning was 
both a surprise and a disappointment to Peppino. 
He glanced inquiringly at Monte- Cristo, but could 
read nothing in his pale, handsome face; then with a 
dark frown he made answer to the Juge, in a harsh, 
defiant tone: 

"I am not guilty!" 

The magistrate glanced at Beppo who in his turn 
repeated his comrade's words. 

Here the Deputy Procureur arose and said to the 
Juge d' Instruction, in a full, clear voice : 

" May it please you, honored Juge, as the repre- 
sentative of the Procureur de la Republique I desire 
to state that it is not my intention to push the 



PEPPINO'S STORY. 



221 



charge against the prisoners at the bar. For this 
course I have a good and sufficient reason. I, therefore, 
in my official capacity demand that the persons calling 
themselves Peppino and Beppo be discharged/ 7 

This demand was another surprise to Peppino, but 
he instantly divined that Monte-Cristo counted for a 
great deal in it and gazed at him with a look of 
gratitude. Beppo was absolutely astounded, for he 
could not understaud the sudden, favorable turn in the 
situation. 

The Juge d' Instruction, in pursuance of the form 
prescribed by law, said to the Deputy: 

"May I ask the worthy representative of the Pro- 
cureur de la Republique what are his good and suffi- 
cient reasons?" 

"Certainly, honored Juge," replied the functionary. 
"His Excellency the Count of Monte-Cristo, here 
present, has entered into a compact with the Procu- 
reur, pledging himself in the event of the prisoners' 
discharge to induce them to quit France immediately." 

At this Monte-Cristo arose and facing the judicial 
bench said, in that impressive manner which always 
marked his public speeches: 

"Honored Juge, what the Deputy Procureur has 
just said is perfectly true in every respect. In the 
event of the prisoners' discharge I stand pledged to 
his superior in office to see that they return to Italy 
without delay." 

The Deputy and the Count resumed their seats. 
The Juge d' Instruction appeared to think for a 
moment; then he said: 



222 



PEPPINO'S STORY. 



" My duty in the premises is plain. No evidence 
is presented against the prisoners and the official 
statement and demand of the Procureur de la Kepub- 
lique, expressed through his worthy and esteemed 
representative, preclude the necessity of a formal inter- 
rogation of the accused. I shall, therefore, discharge 
them, subject, however, to the control of his Excel- 
lency, the Count of Monte-Cristo. Prisoners at the 
bar," he added, addressing Peppino and Beppo^ "I 
remand you to your cells, your liberation to take 
place at such time as his Excellency, the Count of 
Monte-Cristo may determine." 

He resumed his seat upon the judicial bench, mo- 
tioning to the gardien to remove the prisoners. 

Ten minutes later Monte-Cristo was in Peppino's 
cell. The Italian was radiant with delight and very 
effusive in the expression of his thanks to his power- 
ful and mysterious benefactor. 

The Count waved his hand impatiently. 

"A truce to thanks," he said. "Time presses, and 
the sooner you give me the details of the conspiracy 
against the Viscount Massetti the sooner you and 
your companion will be free." 

Peppino threw himself half down upon his bed 
and Monte-Cristo seated himself on a rickety stool, 
his usually impassible countenance plainly showing the 
absorbing interest he felt in what was to follow. 

The Italian cleared his throat and began. 

"Signor Count," said he, "in the first place I must 
tell you that young Massetti has been disowned and 
disinherited by his proud, stern father, who believes 



PEPPINO'S STORY. 



223 



him one of the guiltiest and most depraved scoundrels 
on earth! " 

Monte-Cristo gave a start; his face grew a shade 
paler than was habitual with him, but he said nothing; 
he was eagerly awaiting further developments. 

"That is not all, however," continued Peppino, after 
a slight pause to note the effect of his communication 
upon his auditor, "nor is it the worst! The unfortu- 
nate Viscount, upon being ignominiously expelled 
from the Palazzo Massetti by the old Count's orders, 
immediately lost his senses; he is now a raving 
maniac!" 

"Mon Dieu! Mon Dieu! " exclaimed Monte-Cristo, 
springing to his feet and pacing the cell, a prey to 
intense agitation he did not endeavour to control. 
U A raving maniac! — Giovanni a raving maniac! Oh! 
my daughter, my daughter P 

" All I say is the truth," resumed the Italian. 
"As I hope for Heaven I swear it!" 

"But what has become of Massetti? Where is 
he? " demanded the Count, abruptly pausing in his 
walk. "Has he been consigned to some asylum?" 

"He is an outcast and a wanderer," replied Peppino. 
"All Eome frowns upon him, avoids him as a pesti- 
lence is avoided. When I left Italy he had sought 
refuge amid the ruins of the Colosseum, where he 
was the terror alike of visitors and the supersti- 
tious guides. I saw him there with my own eyes the 
day before my departure. He was in rags, carried a 
tall staff, wore a crown of ivy leaves and spent his 
time cursing God and man. They say he never 



224 



PEPPINO'S STOEY. 



leaves the ruins, save to beg a few scraps upon which 
to subsist, and that he sleeps at night in the depths 
of a dark vomitarium in company with bats, spiders 
and other unclean things." 

"This is incredible!" cried Monte-Cristo, gazing 
piercingly at his companion and half suspecting that 
he was drawing upon his vivid Italian imagination 
for some of his graphic details. 

"But it is true, Signor Count," protested Peppino, 
earnestly; "every word of it is true!" 

"Go on," said Monte-Cristo, hoarsely, again seating 
himself on the stool. "Tell me about the conspiracy." 

"I am coming to it, Signor Count," said the former 
bandit, assuming a sitting posture upon the edge of 
the bed. "You know, of course, that the cause of all 
the Viscount Massetti's trouble was a certain hand- 
some young peasant girl named Annunziata Solara?" 

"I have heard it was some woman, but that does 
not matter; proceed." 

" This girl sold flowers in the Piazza del Popolo 
and on the Corso ; there she attracted the attention of 
Massetti and your son Esperance." 

"Esperance!" exclaimed Monte-Cristo, his hands 
working nervously. " Oh ! mon Dieu ! the light is 
commencing to break ! " 

Peppino smiled reassuringly. 

"Have no fear, Signor Count," said he; "in all the 
unhappy occurrences that brought the poor Viscount 
under suspicion your son bore a part as noble as it was 
honorable; you have abundant reason to be proud of 
him!" 



PEPPINO'S STORY. 



225 



Monte- Cristo uttered a sigh, of relief. 
" Can you prove this ? " 

"I can. Luigi Yampa and his whole band know 
your son to be entirely innocent so far as the flower- 
girl is concerned and will so express themselves. 
Even old Solara himself, hardened and despicable wretch 
as he is, will not seek to inculpate him. Eest assured 
that the proof of your son's innocence is ample." 

u Luigi Vampa has already written to me that no 
guilt attaches to Esperance, but I must have more 
reliable vouchers than the letter or even the oath of 
a notorious brigand." 

" Such vouchers can be procured without much 
difficulty. The unfortunate girl herself, who is now 
in the Eefuge at Civita Vecchia, will exculpate 
him." 

"But the details of the plot, the details of the 
plot!" 

" Well, the Viscount learned from Annunziata that 
she dwelt in the country beyond the Trastavere and 
that evening set out to find her. Your son, who 
knew his object, followed him to protect him against 
the bandits. Massetti was halted by one of Vampa's 
men, who wounded him in the struggle that ensued, 
your son appearing in time to kill the brigand 
and rescue his friend. Shortly afterwards they en- 
countered a large number of Vampa's band and nar- 
rowly escaped being hung to the nearest trees in 
revenge for the death of the man slain by your son. 
They were set free by Vampa himself as soon 'as he 
learned that Esp&rance was your son, Massetti having 
14 



226 



PEPPIKO'S STORY. 



disclosed both. Ms own identity and that of his com- 
rade. The young men, it seems, had determined to 
return to Eome immediately after the Yiscount re- 
ceived his wound, but Massetti grew faint from pain 
and loss of blood and it was resolved to seek for 
shelter. A peasant appeared at this juncture and, 
after some hesitation, agreed to conduct them to his 
father's cabin where they could pass the night. He 
was as good as his word. To be brief, the young 
men, who were disguised as peasants, soon found 
themselves in Pasquale Solara's hut and in the 
presence of the fair Annunziata herself." 

Peppino paused for an instant and then continued: 
" These preliminary details, Signor Count, are ne- 
cessary to enable you to understand the conspiracy 
which was speedily to be hatched. The peasant, who 
had conducted Massetti and your son to the very 
spot the former had left Eome to seek, was An- 
nunziata 7 s brother. Old Pasquale Solara was absent 
from home at the time of the arrival of the 
strangers, but returned shortly afterwards. I have 
no doubt that he had long been in league with 
Luigi Yampa . and had been secretly acting as his 
agent and confederate. At any rate, when he arrived 
he was well aware that the young men were at his 
cabin and was also thoroughly informed as to their 
identity, though, with his habitual cunning, he con- 
cealed both facts, feigning surprise and dissatisfaction 
when it was announced to him by his children that 
he had guests. Secretly he was delighted, for the 
presence of young Massetti gave him an opportunity 



PEPPINO'S STORY. 227 



at once to take a signal revenge on the old Count, 
whom lie had long bitterly hated, and to divert the 
crushing stigma of a fiendish act he meditated from 
himself to the name and fame of another." 

"Do you mean to assert that this wretched old 
man had base designs against his own daughter?" 
said the Count, his visage expressing all the horror 
he felt. 

"Exactly," answered Peppino, coolly. "Old Solara, 
miserable miser as he is, had for a very large sum of 
the gold he so ardently coveted sold his own child, his 
beautiful daughter Annunziata, to the bandit chief 
Luigi Vampa!" 

"The black-hearted demon!" exclaimed Monte- 
Cristo. "He is unworthy of the name of man! In 
Paris the indignant populace would crush him to 
death beneath their feet!" 

"So, you see," resumed the Italian, "the arrival of 
Massetti was opportune, and Pasquale Solara, after 
having seen that the Viscount was safely housed 
beneath the roof of his cabin, hastened back to Luigi 
Vampa and together they laid the foul plot that suc- 
ceeded but too well. A more shrewdly devised and 
thoroughly concealed piece of diabolical villainy has 
never stained the annals of the civilized world!" 



228 



MORE OF PEPPLtfO's STORY. 



CHAPTEE XVIII. 

MORE OF PEPPINO'S STORY. 

MONTE-CRISTO was horrified by what he had 
heard. His whole soul revolted at the idea 
of a father who could deliberately and in cold blood 
sell his daughter, at the idea of a wretch who with 
equal deliberation could cast the blame of a villainy 
committed by himself upon an innocent man. It had 
seemed very strange to the Count, at the time Luigi 
Vampa had written to him, that the brigand chief 
should be so thoroughly posted in regard to the in- 
nocence of Esperance and the guilt of the Viscount 
Massetti, but in the light of the astounding revelations 
just made by Peppino it became abundantly clear 
that Vampa in the young Italian's case had been act- 
uated by the strongest possible motive, namely, the 
desire to shield himself, and that in order to do so 
effectually he had not shrunk from the vilest and 
most complete falsehood. Of course, Vampa had not 
wished to inculpate Esperance because of the old-time 
compact, the relations that had subsisted between him 
and Monte-Cristo in the past; that was equally plain; 
besides one victim was sufficient, and in selecting 
Massetti as that victim the brigand chief had evi- 
dently acted at the instigation of old Pasquale Solara. 
Peppino proceeded with his disclosures. 



MORE OF PEPPI^o's STORY. 



229 



"Signor Count," said he, "I had long suspected 
that something was on the carpet between Vampa 
and old Solara. The moody and morose shepherd 
did not at first come to the bandits' haunt, but in 
response to a signal he used, a peculiar vibrating 
whistle, the chief would go out alone and meet him. 
This signal and Yampa's actions aroused my curiosity ; 
more than once I followed the chief and, securely 
hidden behind a tree or a rock, witnessed the secret 
meetings, overhearing portions of the conversation. 
Annunziata Solara was frequently mentioned, and the 
father seemed to be endeavouring to drive a hard 
bargain with Yampa. At last one night they came 
to an understanding. I heard the chief agree to pay 
old Pasquale an enormous sum of money upon the 
delivery of Annunziata into his hands, and then I 
realized that the nefarious sale had been concluded. 
It was decided that the ill-fated girl should be passed 
over to Yampa at the first opportunity, and that op- 
portunity came when the Yiscount Massetti and your 
son Esperance were domiciled at the isolated cabin in 
the forest. 

" I was on the alert and when, after assuring himself 
of the arrival of the two young men at his hut, old Pas- 
quale sought the bandits' rendezvous and sounded his 
vibrating signal, I heard it. Stealthily following Yampa, 
I concealed myself as I had done on previous occasions. 
I was now thoroughly familiar with the details of the 
base transaction in progress between the precious pair 
and could readily comprehend even their most obscure 
and guarded allusions. Old Solara informed the chief 



230 



MORE OF PEPPINO'S STORY. 



that the young men had arrived, proposing that Yampa 
should abduct Annunziata at the earliest possible 
moment,, so arranging matters that suspicion would 
fall upon the Viscount Massetti. This the chief agreed 
to do. The shepherd was to keep him posted, and 
the abduction was to take place when circumstances 
were best calculated to promote the success of all the 
phases of the villainous plot. With this understanding 
the conspirators separated. 

"Fate sided with old Pasquale and Yampa. His 
wound kept the Viscount at the cabin and the fair 
Annunziata nursed him. He had become smitten with 
her beauty the day he met her in the Piazza del Popolo. 
Intimate association with her intensified her influence 
over him, and when he had been in the cabin nearly a 
week and convalescence had begun he made violent 
love to her, even going so far as to ask her to fly 
with him. Esperance divined his friend's intentions 
and, knowing that Massetti could not marry the girl, 
interposed to save her. The result was a quarrel and 
your son challenged the Viscount to fight him. The 
challenge was instantly accepted and it was arranged 
that the duel should occur on the following morning. 

" Faithful to his promise to Vampa, old Solara, 
while pretending to be absent from home, lurked in 
the vicinity and kept track of all that was going on. 
He was hidden beneath the open window when Mas- 
setti or Tonio, as he called himself, for both the 
Viscount and Esperance were passing under assumed 
names, proposed flight to his daughter. Instantly he 
hastened to the brigand chief, who had been prowling 



MOKE OF PEPPINO'S STORY. 



231 



in the neighborhood of the hut all day, and gleefully 
communicated to him what he had heard. It was 
immediately decided that the time for the abduction had 
come and preparations were made to carry off Annunziata 
that very night. Yampa wrote a criminating letter to 
the girl purporting to come from Massetti, and old Solara, 
stealing unobserved into the hut, placed it beneath his 
daughter's work-box on her table where she after- 
wards found it. It was not for a moment supposed 
that the girl would consent to fly with the Viscount, 
for though gay and light-hearted she was pure and 
innocent; the note was simply intended to fill Annun- 
ziata's mind, after the abduction, with the idea that 
Massetti was her abductor." 

"What shrewd, far-seeing villainy!" muttered Monte- 
Cristo, between his teeth. 

"That night there was no moon," continued Pep- 
pino, "and, after all the inmates of the cabin had re- 
tired to rest, old Pasquale waited outside with a torch 
while Vampa made his way to Annunziata's chamber, 
tore her from her couch and carried her to the forest, 
preventing her from giving the alarm by placing his 
hand over her mouth. He was masked and the 
shepherd kept at such a distance that it was utterly 
impossible for his daughter to recognize him. As 
Vampa ran through the forest with his burden, he 
struck his arm against a tree and the pain caused 
him to take. his hand for a second from Annunziata's 
mouth. The poor girl profited by this opportunity to 
scream and her cry brought first her brother, then 
the Viscount and then Esperance to her aid. 



232 



MOKE OF PEPPINO'S STOEY. 



"The brother on reaching Vampa attacked him 
fiercely. Dropping the girl, who stood rooted to the 
spot, the chief drew a pistol and fired at his assailant. 
The latter was hit and staggered back, the blood 
gushing from his wound. Somehow during the 
struggle Vampa became unmasked and, in the prevail- 
ing obscurity, Annunziata naturally imagined that the 
face suddenly uncovered and as quickly masked again 
was that of her suitor, the so-called Tonio. Having 
disposed of the brother, who afterwards ran back 
towards the cabin, met Esperance, rushed into his 
arms and then fell to the ground where he died, the 
brigand chief seized Annunziata, who meanwhile had 
swooned, and resumed his flight through the forest. 
Hearing the sound of further pursuit, Vampa paused 
in dismay and listened. Three persons seemed to be 
rapidly approaching. The chief thereupon concealed 
the unconscious girl behind a huge fragment of rock 
and threw himself flat upon the ground, hoping thus 
to escape observation. As he did so he saw the 
glare of old Solara's torch. It flashed full in the 
face of a peasant, a perfect stranger, who had heard 
Annunziata's cry and come to the rescue. The shep- 
herd had a knife in one hand ; he instantly cast away 
his torch and closed in desperate conflict with the 
new comer. At that moment the Viscount came 
upon the scene, moving as if to take the part of the 
stranger. Vampa leaped up, grasped him by the 
throat and, under the threat of instant death if he 
refused, forced him to take an oath of silence in 
regard to the events of the night. Massetti was so 



MORE OF PEPPIKO'S STORY. 



233 



bewildered that lie scarcely knew what he was doing. 
No sooner had he taken the oath than Vampa 
treacherously dealt him a crushing blow that sent him 
reeling to the ground, where he lay motionless 
and unconscious. Then the chief again threw himself 
upon the soil, springing up once more to face Espe- 
rance. The latter aimed a pistol at him, but he 
whirled it from his hand. Then the young man 
struck fiercely at him, but Yampa dodged the blow 
and his adversary fell forward from his own impetus 
on a thick growth of moss beside Massetti's prostrate 
form. Taking prompt advantage of his opportunity, 
the chief secured possession of the yet unconscious 
Annunziata and this time succeeded in bearing her in 
triumph to a hut he had provided for her reception." 

Peppino then proceeded to relate what the reader 
has already learned from Annunziata's pitiful recital 
to Mme. de Eancogne in the Eefuge at Civita Yec- 
chia. When he had concluded, he glanced at his 
auditor and said: 

"Are you satisfied, Signor Count?" 

"I am," answered Monte-Cristo, in a hoarse voice 
that sounded strangely unlike his own. "You have 
fully earned the freedom of yourself and your comrade 
Beppo. The tale of black iniquity you have so viv- 
idly told me might seem improbable in other ears 
but to me it bears the impress of truth. One point, 
however, is obscure. I cannot imagine in what man- 
ner you learned the particulars of certain events in your 
narrative, events which you could not have witnessed 
with your own eyes. Enlighten me on this point." 



234 



MORE OF PEPPINO'S STORY. 



" Willingly ," answered Peppino, without the slight- 
est hesitation. " I learned the details you speak of 
partly from Vampa himself and partly from old Solara. 
The twain compared notes after the latter had openly 
joined the bandits, and I took good care to overhear 
their conversation." 

Monte-Cristo had arisen and now paced the cell for 
several moments plunged in deep thought. His 
brow was cloudy and dark, but his eyes sparkled 
fiercely and his hands were clenched so tightly that 
his nails left red marks in his flesh. The Italian still 
sitting on the edge of his bed watched him narrowly, 
not knowing what to make of his preoccupation and 
agitated by a vague fear lest he might refuse to ful- 
fill his promise. At length Monte-Cristo appeared to 
have solved the knotty problem that had perplexed 
him and to have arrived at a decision. He came in 
front of the Italian, halted and, gazing steadfastly at 
him, said: 

"My good fellow, I have, as you know, obtained 
freedom for yourself and Beppo by pledging my 
word to the Procureur de la Eepublique that both of 
you shall at once quit the country. On your side 
you have done as you agreed and I am now about to 
execute my part of the bargain." 

Peppino's countenance assumed an expression of 
the utmost delight. All his apprehensions instantly 
vanished. 

"Now," continued Monte-Cristo, impressively, "I 
have a proposition to make to you. You can be 
exceedingly useful to me if you will and at the same 



MORE OF PEPPINO'S STORY. 



235 



time acquire a large sum of money honestly and 
honorably." 

The Italian's eyes glittered with pleasure. 

"Name your proposition, Signor Count," he said, 
enthusiastically. "I accept it in advance. But is 
Beppo included in it?" 

"He is," answered the Count. "The revelations 
you have made to me have decided me to go to 
Rome at once. I shall take my daughter with me, 
as well as my Nubian servant Ali. I desire you and 
Beppo to enter my service and accompany me. Hu- 
manity demands that I use all my influence to right 
the unfortunate Viscount Massetti, and I wish you to 
aid me in the work." 

"I will do as you desire, Signor Count," said the 
Italian, "and I will promise that Beppo shall also 
comply with your wishes." 

"Very well," rejoined Monte-Cristo. "It is under- 
stood and agreed upon. One condition, however, I 
must exact. You and Beppo must hold no commu- 
nication with Luigi Vampa or any of his band, at 
least not until I so direct." 

" The condition shall be scrupulously observed, 
Signor Count. While in your service your commands 
shall be our only law." 

" It is sufficient. Now I am going to set you and 
Beppo at liberty. You will at once accompany me to 
my residence and there the preparations for our de- 
parture will immediately be made. We shall start for 
Rome to-morrow." 

"As your Excellency pleases," said the Italian. 



236 



MORE OF PEPPINO'S STORY. 



Monte-Cristo summoned the gardien on duty at the 
poste, directing him to produce Beppo, and soon the 
Count and the Italians were seated in the former's 
barouche and being rapidly driven by Ali towards the 
mansion on the Eue du Helder. 

No sooner had they arrived at their destination 
than the Count, giving the new additions to his re- 
tinue into the charge of the faithful Nubian, repaired 
to his study, summoning Zuleika to him. The girl 
hastened to obey the summons, and the sight of her 
father's pale, stern countenance instantly told her that 
something very unusual and important had taken 
place. 

"My child," said the Count, taking her tenderly in 
his arms and gazing fondly into her upturned, anx- 
ious face, "I have to-day received some very startling 
intelligence." 

Zuleika's heart beat wildly at this announcement ; 
she felt convinced that the very startling intelligence 
concerned her unfortunate, long- silent lover. 

"Father," said she, in a tremulous voice, "have you 
received word from the Yiscount Massetti?" 

"No, my child," answered Monte-Cristo; "but tid- 
ings of the gravest nature relating to him have been 
imparted to me." 

"Tidings of the gravest nature, father! Is it possi- 
ble that he is dead?" 

As she uttered the last words, the poor girl burst 
into a flood of tears. 

"No, my child," replied the Count. "Young Mas- 
setti is not dead." 



MORE OF PEPPINO'S STORY. 



237 



"Has he succeeded in clearing himself of that terri- 
ble charge?" the girl asked, trembling with anxiety. 

"Alas! no! But he is innocent, Zuleika, as inno- 
cent of the dreadful crime imputed to him as the 
babe unborn ! Of that you can rest assured, for the 
proof of his innocence is in my hands!" 

Zuleika gave a wild cry of joy and flung her arms 
about her father's neck. 

"Calm yourself, my child," resumed Monte-Cristo; 
"all will yet be well. I start for Eome to-morrow 
with Ali and two of Giovanni's friends. Be ready to 
accompany me!" 

Zuleika's ecstasy was almost beyond bounds; but 
alas! she did not know that Giovanni's mind had been 
overthrown by the shame and disgrace that had been 
heaped upon him! 



238 



THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 



A 



FTER quitting their guides at the Colosseum 
. Maximilian and Valentine advanced towards 



the centre of the gladiatorial arena where the de- 
mented Giovanni Massetti was standing. He did not 
notice them, did not seem to pay even the slightest 
attention to his surroundings, but kept his eyes up- 
turned towards heaven, the murmur of bitter maledic- 
tion constantly issuing from his lips. As M. and 
Mme. Morrel approached his words became clearer 
and clearer and they had no difficulty whatever in 
fully understanding their terrible import. No wonder 
the guides were frightened by such a flow of bitter, 
scathing curses ! 

The afflicted Yiscount maintained his motionless, 
statue-like attitude, resembling more the weird crea- 
tion of some sculptor's vivid fancy than a living, 
breathing mortal. Valentine was filled with indescri- 
bable sorrow as she gazed at him and realized that 
this wreck of noble, glorious manhood was the be- 
loved of Zuleika's heart, the being with whose 
unhappy destiny that of Monte-Cristo's daughter was 
inextricably entwined. Oh! that by some miracle, 
such as the fabled divinities of old Olympus were 
said to have performed, he might be restored to rea- 



THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 



239 



son and the possession of an unblemished name! But 
the days of miracles were over, and if the young 
Italian was to be brought back to sanity and cleared 
from the fearful charge against him that had wrought 
all this harm, this misery, it must be by earthly and 
ordinary means. Perhaps she and her husband were 
destined to work these apparently impossible changes! 
Who knew? Many things equally improbable had hap- 
pened, and why should not this wondrous transforma- 
tion, a transformation worthy of the wand of some 
potent Prospero, be effected? Valentine was a de- 
voted friend and an enthusiast, and Monte-Cristo's 
maxim, " Wait and Hope," was her guiding star. 
"Wait and Hope! 77 Oh! how cheering, how reassu- 
ring was that simple, trustful motto! 

Maximilian, on his side, felt unutterable pity for both 
the wretched man before him and the lovely Zuleika, 
the sweet and tender child of his benefactor, languish- 
ing and despairing far away in her father 7 s luxurious, 
palatial home. The poor girl was surrounded by all 
the blessings that unbounded wealth could confer; she 
had the Count 7 s love, Mercedes 7 love, Esperance 7 s love 
-and the sincere affection of all who knew her; but 
alas ! princely riches, parental, brotherly love and the 
affection of friends were as nothing compared to the 
passion that was gnawing at her vitals, a desperate, 
hopeless passion that was but a heavy weight of woe ! 
But was this passion altogether desperate and hope- 
less? Time alone could show! 

M. and Mme. Morrel were now within a few feet of 
the hapless, crazed young man, but his attention was 



240 . THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 



so engrossed by the mad thoughts surging through 
his bewildered brain that he yet failed to detect their 
presence. 

Bidding Valentine remain where she was, her hus- 
band drew close beside Giovanni and suddenly placed 
his hand on his shoulder. The Yiscount started at 
this unexpected interruption of his sombre reverie and 
hastily glanced at the intruder. His eyes, however, 
had a stony, uncomprehending stare, expressing neither 
surprise nor fear. 

" Giovanni Massetti," said Maximilian, "listen to 
me! I am a friend!" 

The young man replied, in a low, discordant voice : 

" Who is it mentions Giovanni Massetti ? There 
was once a man who bore that name, but he is dead, 
dead to the world ! " 

" I have told you I am a friend," resumed M. Mor- 
rel. " I have come to save you ! " 

"A friend! — a friend!" cried the maniac, with a 
burst of bitter, mocking laughter that pierced Maxi- 
milian through and through like a sharp-pointed, keen- 
edged stiletto and made Valentine shudder as if she 
had come in contact with polar ice. " A friend ! — a 
friend! Come to save me — me! ha! ha! ha! A labor 
of Hercules with no Hercules to accomplish it ! You 
are mad, my poor fellow ! Besides, I am not Giovanni 
Massetti — I am a King, an Emperor! Behold my 
sceptre and my crown!" 

He pointed to his tall staff and the wreath of ivy 
leaves encircling his head, pointed triumphantly and 
with all the dignity of a throned monarch. 



THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 241 

It was a pitiful sight, in the highest degree pitiful, 
this spectacle of intellect overthrown, of the glorious 
mental light of youthful manhood which had became 
clouded and obscured. 

Maximilian was deeply affected, but, knowing full 
well that all his firmness, resolution and resources 
would be requisite in dealing with the wretched man 
he had come so far to aid, he controlled his emotion 
and said, in a comparatively steady voice: 

"Giovanni Massetti, in the name of the woman you 
love, in the name of Zuleika, Monte- Cristo's daughter, 
I conjure you to be calm and hear me. I am her 
ambassador, I come to you from her!" 

The young man put his hand to his forehead and 
seemed to be striving to collect his scattered senses. 

"Zuleika? — Zuleika? " he murmured. " Monte-Cristo's 
daughter? Yes, yes, I have heard of her before — a 
long time back in the dreary past! I read of her in 
some book of history or the verses of some oriental 
poet. She was a Queen! — yes, she was a Queen! 
Well, what of this Zuleika?" 

He stood as if waiting for some Arabian romance 
to be unfolded to him, with parted lips and a vacant 
smile sorrowful to see. 

Since his interview with the old Count Massetti 
Maximilian's hope for the success of his difficult mis- 
sion had been but a very slender thread. Now that 
thread was stretched to its utmost tension, and Zu- 
leika's ambassador felt that it must shortly snap 
asunder and vanish irrecoverably. Love is ever a 
- potent influence with man, but this poor demented 



242 



THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 



creature appeared to have lost even the faintest con- 
ception of the crowning passion of life, since Zuleika's 
name, the name of his betrothed, had failed to awaken 
his memory or touch a sympathetic chord in his 
bosom. 

As Maximilian stood uncertain what to do next, but" 
as yet reluctant to abandon the miserable Yiscount to 
his fate, Valentine came to him and, placing her 
hand on his arm, said: 

" My husband, it is useless to endeavor to move - 
this unfortunate man in his present condition; his 
mind is incapable of rational action. Only by care 
and soothing influence can he be restored to him- 
self. He must be induced to accompany us to some 
asylum, some institution where he can be treated for 
his dreadful malady." 

"You are right, Valentine, as you always are," 
answered M. Morrel. " The course you suggest is 
the only one to be taken at this juncture. But how 
is Giovanni to be induced to accompany us? Force 
cannot be employed — we have no legal right to use 
it — and I greatly fear that the Viscount will not fol- 
low us of his own accord, no matter to what solicita- 
tions we may resort." 

"Trust that to me, Maximilian," rejoined Valentine, 
sweetly and persuasively. "Kemember what I said 
about a woman's wit and tenderness." 

"I remember it, and now, if ever, is the time for 
the trial of their power, for I have utterly failed. 
But, surely, Valentine, you do not propose to risk 
dealing with this poor man whose mind is reduced 



THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 243 

to chaos and who might, in a sudden access of un- 
accountable fury, do you harm even before I could 
interfere? " 

"I certainly do propose dealing with him! I am 
an enchantress, you know, and now you shall witness 
a further and more convincing proof of the potency 
of my spells than was shown in bringing your dead 
hope to life! " 

Maximilian was not altogether satisfied with his 
wife's heroic resolution, but she firmly persisted in it 
and finally he allowed her to have her way. She 
quitted his side and approached Giovanni, her fine 
countenance wearing a bewitching smile as seductive 
as that of a Scandinavian valkyria ministering at the 
feast of heroes in the fabled Valhalla. 

The guides, who amid their petitions to the Blessed 
Virgin had steadily watched the singular proceedings 
of their patrons, were both astounded and horrified 
when they saw Valentine leave her husband and 
boldly walk towards the maniac. They redoubled the 
fervency of their prayers and breathlessly waited for 
what was about to happen. 

The Viscount had not yet observed Valentine. 
When she came in front of him and paused, still 
smiling, he saw her for the first time. Dropping his 
staff, he clasped his hands and gazed at her in an 
ecstacy of admiration. 

" What beautiful, what heavenly vision is this?' 7 
he exclaimed, ardently, his voice assuming more of 
the characteristics of humanity than it had yet dis- 
played. 



244 THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 



Valentine was silent; she wished to get Massetti 
completely under her influence before speaking to him. 
Motionless and statuesquely she stood, allowing the 
maniac to gaze his fill at her. 

"Who are you, divine vision?" continued the Vis- 
count, seeming to think himself the prey of some 
passing dream. "Oh! you are a spirit! — a goddess 
such as of old presided over the sports of the Colos- 
seum ! — perhaps Juno herself! Do not vanish from 
my sight, do not become a filmy cloud and dissolve 
in ether ! Oh ! speak to me, glorious apparition ! 
Let me hear the celestial melody of your voice and 
die listening to its marvellous cadences ! " 

Valentine, humoring the caprice of the demented 
man, said, in the most enticing tone she could assume : 

"You have guessed aright, oh! mortal! I am, in- 
deed, Juno, the Queen of the goddesses of Mount 
Olympus! By the direct command of Jupiter I have 
sought you out this night ! " 

She came closer to him and took his hand. He 
raised hers to his lips and devotedly kissed it. Then 
he gazed into her eyes like one entranced. Woman's 
wit and tenderness had triumphed. The maniac whom 
even the mention of Zuleika's name had failed to 
touch was completely under Mme. Morrel's influence. 
She had subdued him; she could do with him as she 
wished. 

"A miracle! a miracle!" cried both the cicerones 
simultaneously. "The Blessed Virgin be praised!" 

Maximilian was not less astonished than the guides, 
but with his astonishment joy and gratitude were 



THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 



245 



mingled — joy that Giovanni was now tractable and 
gratitude to his noble and fearless wife who had 
effected the wondrous transformation. He said to him- 
self that Valentine was, indeed, an enchantress, but 
a modern Circe, who, unlike her ancient prototype, 
employed her spells and fascinations to promote good 
results. He glanced at Valentine, with a smile of 
encouragement and approbation, eagerly waiting for 
the next step she should take, for the next audacious 
effort she should essay. 

Giovanni made no reply to Valentine's fantastic 
speech, and, after preserving silence for an instant, she 
resumed : 

"I am here for your welfare, to aid you in your 
overwhelming misfortunes ! " 

"Ah! yes; I have misfortunes, but I had forgot- 
ten them," said the young man, musingly. 

"I am sent to relieve you of them," continued Val- 
entine. Then, throwing into her voice its most per- 
suasive quality, she added, fixing a magnetic gaze 
upon the Viscount : " My mission is to take charge 
of you, to see that you are restored to health and 
happiness. Come with me!" 

"I will follow you, sweet vision, to the very end 
of the earth!" said Giovanni, enthusiastically. 

Valentine hastily beckoned to her husband; he 
hurried to her and she whispered in his ear: 

"Send one of the guides for a coupe. We must 
not lose a single moment. Poor Massetti will follow 
me as a dog follows its master! While he is under 
my influence it is imperative that he be removed to 



246 



THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 



an asylum where lie can be properly looked after and 
if possible cured. No doubt the guides can tell you 
of such an institution. Use the utmost dispatch, 
Maximilian!" 

The young soldier needed no repetition of these 
wise and humanitarian injunctions. He gave the re- 
quisite directions and soon the desired vehicle was in 
readiness without the Colosseum. Maximilian had also 
ascertained the address of a proper curative institu- 
tion. 

Meanwhile Valentine had continued to employ her 
successful tactics with the Viscount, who every mo- 
ment yielded to her more and more. When the 
coupe was announced, she. said to him : 

"My chariot is waiting to convey you to my 
Olympian abode. Will you come with me?" 

"Your wishes are my laws, oh! beautiful goddess!" 
replied Giovanni. "Take me where you will, so that 
you do not desert me and leave me to perish in 
despair ! " 

Mme. Morrel led the unresisting young man to the 
coup£, Maximilian and the guides following the pair 
at a short distance in order to guard against any 
unforeseen freak on the part of poor Massetti. There 
was no occasion for their services, however, and the 
Viscount was soon safely installed in the coupe with 
Valentine upon one side of him and her husband * 
upon the other. 

After a brief drive, during which Giovanni, who 
seemed to have lost all comprehension of the presence 
of any one save Valentine, remained quietly gazing 



THE MANIAC OF THE COLOSSEUM. 



247 



at her, the vehicle drew up in front of the insane 
asylum. 

Massetti was induced to enter the institution with- 
out the slightest trouble. Maximilian thereupon 
made all the necessary arrangements, and the young 
man was placed in comfortable quarters. The physi- 
cian who examined him stated that his case was not 
beyond hope. 



248 



THE ISLE OF MOXTE-CRISTO. 



CHAPTEE XX. 

THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 

AT the appointed time the Count of Monte-Cristo 
and Zuleika, accompanied by Ali, Peppino and 
Beppo, the two Italians attired in the traveling garb 
of French servants, left Paris for Marseilles. On their 
arrival at the latter city they proceeded immediately 
to the harbor, where Monte- Cristo's yacht awaited 
them in obedience to instructions telegraphed by the 
Count to the Captain of the craft, whose name was 
Vincenzo, and who was a son of Jacopo, the former 
smuggler, long in command of the ill-fated Alcyon, 
lost in the frightful storm and volcanic disturbance 
in the Mediterranean some years before. The present 
yacht was a new and superb vessel, as fleet and as 
beautiful as a bird. It was fitted up in the most 
complete manner; the cabin, superbly carpeted and 
furnished, was hung with elaborately wrought, costly 
tapestry, while here and there on the walls were 
curiously arrayed clusters of ancient barbaric weapons 
gathered from the site of old Carthage, the ruins of 
historic Babylon and even from the crumbling tombs 
of those redoubtable warriors who far back in the 
dim ages of antiquity had defended distant Cathay 
against the incursions of the fierce Tarter hordes. 
The yacht was named the Haydee in honor of the 



THE ISLE OF MONTE -CRISTO. 



249 



loving and devoted Greek slave, the mother of Esper- 
ance and Zuleika, who had filled such an important 
part in Monte-Cristo's life and had left behind her 
such tender memories. 

As soon as the Count and his little party were 
safely on board the craft it set sail, gliding swiftly 
out upon the wide, sparkling expanse of water. 
Monte- Cristo and Zuleika stood upon the deck, con- 
versing pleasantly and enjoying the ever-changing 
panorama presented to their gaze. The Hayclee 
glided swiftly past the He Eatonneau, conspicuous by 
reason of its towering lighthouse; then came the 
Pointe des Catalans, with its beach where Mercedes 
had once dwelt and where the unfortunate sailor Dan- 
tes had seen the light in her chamber window on 
that memorable night when he was being conducted 
to captivity. At length a black and frowning rock 
rose before them, surmounted by a gloomy fortress. 
As he caught sight of this dismal crag, Monte-Cristo 
knitted his brows and through his clenched teeth 
muttered an imprecation upon the tyranny of man. 

"What is it that so moves you, father?" asked 
Zuleika, in a soft voice, gazing solicitously into his 
face. 

"Look yonder, my child," replied the Count, with 
strong emotion; "the fortress upon that rock is the 
accursed Chateau d' If!" 

Zuleika glanced at the fortress with a feeling of 
terror and dread. She knew the story of her father's 
long imprisonment and keen suffering in the dark dun- 
geon of that forbidding pile, of his meetings with the 



250 



THE ISLE OF MOXTE-CRISTO. 



Abbe Faria there and of his subsequent daring escape; 
but she knew nothing of what had passed between 
the Abbe and the sailor Dantes relative to the famous 
treasure concealed by Cardinal Spada within the 
grottoes of the Isle of Monte- Oris to, the treasure that 
diverted from the grasp of Pope Alexander VI. had 
made the Count so enormously rich. On this topic 
her father had never yet seen fit to enlighten her. 
The sight of the Chateau d' If made her shudder and 
turn pale, though at the same time it fascinated and 
enchained her. She clung closely to Monte-Cristo and 
said, tremulously: 

" Oh ! what a frightful place it is ! My very heart 
is chilled by its dismal aspect ! " 

" Dismal as it looks from here, my child," returned 
the Count, "it is a thousand times more so within! 
It is the chosen abode of gloom and despair!" 

He gently put his daughter from him and gave way 
to a profound reverie in which he remained plunged 
for some moments. All the details of his imprison- 
ment and the startling adventures that succeeded it 
passed through his mind in rapid review, and an ar- 
dent, irresistible desire to revisit the locality where he 
had unearthed Spada's millions took entire possession 
of him. Suddenly he said to Captain Vincenzo: 

"Make for the Isle of Monte-Cristo!" 

"Aye, aye, Signor Count," answered the Captain, 
and the necessary orders were at once given. The Hay- 
dee, promptly obeying her helm, swung about swiftly 
and gracefully, instantly darting off in the direction of 
the famous island. 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CKISTO. 



251 



Zuleika, on hearing lier father's command, cast upon 
him a look of astonishment and anxiety. She had 
expected that they would proceed directly to Italy 
and this change in the yacht's course betokened 
another programme. 

" My child," said the Count, divining her thoughts, 
"I propose to stop at the Isle of Monte-Cristo only a 
few hours ; the delay will not be important, especially 
as we can make up the time lost by crowding sail, 
while I wish to show you some spots intimately con- 
nected with my history that will interest you." 

"I shall be delighted to visit the Isle of Monte- 
Cristo, father," replied Zuleika. "I have heard so 
much about it and its wonders. You have a man- 
sion there, have you not?" 

The Count smiled, as he answered : 

"Not exactly a mansion, Zuleika, but something 
that might be made to serve as a substitute for one 
did we need a temporary refuge, though I greatly 
fear that from long neglect we shall find it at present 
in a most deplorable condition." 

Zuleika's curiosity was now considerably excited. 
What could this mysterious residence, or, as her 
father quaintly styled it, this substitute for a mansion 
be like? What knowledge she possessed of the Isle 
of Monte-Cristo had been derived from fragmentary 
recitals made to her by Mercedes and her son Albert 
de Morcerf, but as neither of these informants had 
ever set foot upon the island their information was 
necessarily very vague, though it made up in the 
marvellous what it lacked in distinctness. 



252 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



At length, towards afternoon, the rocky shore of 
the Isle of Monte-Cristo became visible. The Count's 
visage brightened as he saw it and a thrill of pleas- 
ure passed through him. Though the Haydee was 
yet at a considerable distance he could plainly descry 
the lofty peak upon which he had stood and watched 
the smugglers depart in their tartane, La Jeune 
Amelie, on that eventful morning when, with his gun 
and pickaxe, he had started out to prosecute his 
search destined to be fraught with so much excite- 
ment and to be crowned with such a glorious, daz- 
zling result. The golden sunlight fell full upon this 
peak and the surrounding masses of stone, making 
them glitter as if encrusted with sparkling diamonds 
of great price. Here and there grew olive trees and 
stunted shrubs that stood out distinctly against the 
blue, cloudless sky; as the yacht drew nearer their 
green tints formed a striking contrast with the pre- 
vailing hue of the rocks, adding vastly to the pic- 
turesqueness of the wild and romantic scene presented. 

"How beautiful the island looks!" exclaimed Zu- 
leika, enthusiastically, as she leaned against the bul- 
warks of the vessel and gazed out over the sea. 

"Yes," replied Monte-Cristo, who was standing 
beside her, "it does, indeed, look beautiful from here, 
but a closer view will dispel the charm for the island 
is nothing but a barren waste." 

"What! Is it a desert?" asked Zuleika, in surprise. 

"A perfect desert, my child," answered the Count, 
"uncultivated and uninhabited." 

"Uninhabited!" cried Zuleika, gazing intently at 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



253 



the shore. "I certainly see life there! Look! What 
was that?" 

"A wild goat leaping from one rock to another," 
returned Monte-Cristo, smiling. "The island is full 
of them. When I said it was uninhabited I meant 
by human beings." 

The Haydee by this time had approached as near 
the island as possible; she was therefore anchored 
The Count then ordered a boat lowered, into which 
he descended with Zuleika and Ali. A stout sailor 
took the rudder, two others grasped the oars, and, in 
a few minutes, a little cove was gained and the dis- 
embarkation effected. 

"Men," said the Count, addressing the sailors, "you 
can now row back to the yacht. When you see me 
come upon the beach and wave my handkerchief 
thrice, return for us." 

"Aye, aye, Signor Count," answered the coxswain 
for the boat's crew. His words were accompanied by 
the fall of the oars and the boat shot off towards the 
Haydee. 

" You are now on the Isle of Monte-Cristo," said 
the Count to Zuleika as he took her hand to lead 
her forward. "Prepare to see what you have termed 
its wonders! " 

"They will, no doubt, prove wonders to me, at any 
rate," returned the girl, smiling. 

The Nubian stood before his master with uncovered 
head, respectfully waiting for orders. 

"Go in advance, Ali," said the Count, "and see 
that all is right." 



254 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



The Nubian made a profound salaam in oriental 
fashion and hastened away. 

The Count and his daughter leisurely followed. As 
they walked they disturbed hosts of grasshoppers, 
that leaped with a whirring flutter of wings from the 
bushes and fled before them. This amused Zuleika, 
but she could not repress a cry of affright as now 
and then a green, repulsive looking lizard emerged 
from under the loose stones beneath her very feet and 
shot hastily away in search of a more secure hiding- 
place. Occasionally, too, they saw wild goats that 
pricked up their ears and stared at them with wide 
open eyes, then gathering themselves for a spring 
bounded off* up the rocks and vanished. 

At last Monte-Cristo and Zuleika came upon the 
Nubian, who had stopped beside a huge bowlder that 
seemed to have lain for ages where it had fallen from 
the cliffs above. A thick, bushy growth of wild 
myrtle and flowering thorn had sprung up around it,: 
and its surface was covered with emerald hued moss. 
The Count and his daughter also stopped, the former 
glancing around him and at the vast stone with evi- 
dent satisfaction. 

"Nothing has been touched since I was here last," 
said he, as if to himself; then, turning to Ali, he ad-, 
ded: "Unmask the entrance to the grottoes!" 

The Nubian produced a rusty crowbar from some 
nook where he had evidently concealed it in the past, 
thrusting the point beneath the bowlder; then he ex- 
erted a strong, steady pressure upon the crowbar and 
the great rock slowly moved aside, disclosing a cir- 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



255 



cular opening in the midst of which, was a square 
flagstone bearing in its centre an iron ring. Into 
this ring Ali inserted his crowbar and with a mighty 
effort raised the flagstone from its place. A stairway- 
descending apparently to the bowels of the earth was 
disclosed, and from the sombre depths escaped a flow 
of damp, mephitic air. 

Zuleika drew back in affright. All that had passed 
since they came to the bowlder was strange, bewil- 
dering and terrifying to her. Had the days of en- 
chantment returned? Was Ali some potent wizard 
like Aladdin's pretended uncle in the old Arabian tale, 
or was she simply under the dominion of some dis- 
ordered dream? Her knees trembled beneath her and 
she moved as if to flee, but her father caught her by 
the arm and his smiling countenance reassured her. 

"Fear nothing, Zuleika," he said, soothingly. "We 
are about to visit my subterranean palace. That is 
all." 

By this time the atmosphere of the stairway had 
become purified and Monte- Cristo said to Ali: 

" Descend and light up the grottoes. When all is 
ready give the usual signal." 

The faithful servant entered the opening and van- 
ished down the stairway. Soon a delicious oriental 
perfume ascended. This was followed by a vivid illu- 
mination of the gaping chasm and then came a long, 
reverberating whistle. 

"Ali notifies us that all is prepared for our recep- 
tion," said Monte-Cristo to Zuleika. " Come, my 
daughter ! " 



256 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



He descended the stairway first, Zuleika following 
liim in a state of mind difficult to describe. She was 
not afraid now, but her sensations were of an exceed- 
ingly peculiar nature. The novelty and singularity of 
the adventure rather attracted her, though, at the 
same time, she felt a sort of reluctance to attempt it. 
However the opening was now as light as day, and 
as they descended the intoxicating perfume increased 
in intensity until it was almost as if acres of tube- 
roses had suddenly bloomed and filled the caverns 
with their heavy fragrance. 

At the bottom of the stairway Ali received them, 
conducting them into a vast chamber that had evi- 
dently once possessed great splendor, but was at present 
dingy and dust-covered as if it had been long deserted. 
It was the apartment in which Monte-Cristo as Sinbad 
the Sailor had welcomed the Baron Franz d' Epinay 
years before, but the crimson brocade, worked with 
flowers of gold, though it still lined the chamber as 
it did then, was now faded and moth-eaten,, while the 
Turkey carpet in which the Baron's feet had sunk to the 
instep, as well as the tapestry hanging in front of the 
doors, was in the same condition. The divan in the 
recess had been riddled by worms and the silver scab- 
bards of the stand of Arabian swords that surmounted 
it were tarnished, the gems in the handles of the 
weapons alone retaining their brilliancy. The once 
beautiful lamp of Venice glass hanging from the ceil- 
ing, which Ali had filled and lighted, was also tarnish- 
ed and its delicately shaped globe was cracked from 
top to bottom. Monte-Cristo sadly contemplated this 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



257 



scene of ruin and decay, but lie contemplated it only 
for a moment. Then he turned to Zuleika and said : 

"My child, this was once my salon and its beauty 
riveted the eyes of all who saw it, but I deserted it 
and time has done its work, aided by neglect — its 
beauty is no more! Shall I raise another ghost of 
the past and show you its former occupant?" 

" Surely, I see him before me, do I not ? " said 
Zuleika, gazing tenderly at her father. 

" Not as he was, my child, not as he was. Wait 
here a few moments, with my faithful Ali as your 
guard and protector, and I will invoke the fantastic 
apparition ! " 

As he spoke he raised the faded tapestry, revealing 
the door leading to the inner apartment ; opening this 
door and closing it behind him he was lost to sight ; 
the tapestry fell back to its place, masking the point 
of entrance. 

After a brief absence he reappeared dressed in his 
famous Tunisian costume, but that, alas ! had also lost 
its pristine glory like everything else in this abandoned 
subterranean abode. Still the wrecks were there — the 
red cap with the long blue silk tassel ; the vest of 
black cloth embroidered with gold ; the pantaloons of 
deep red; the large, full gaiters of the same color, 
embroidered with gold like the vest ; the yellow 
slippers ; the cachemire around his waist, and the 
small, crooked cangiar passed through his girdle. 

Zuleika gazed at him in amazement. In his faded, 
tarnished, moth-eaten finery he, indeed, looked like a 
fantastic apparition, a picturesque ghost of the past. 
16 



258 



THE ISLE OF MONTE -CKISTO. 



" Come, Zuleika," said lie, " as I am in my festal 
attire let us visit the salle-i-manser ! 

He moved aside the tapestry once more and again 
opened the door leading to the other apartment. Zu- 
leika entered and the Count followed her, Ali remain- 
ing in the outer chamber to guard against surprise or 
intrusion. The marvellous salle-a-manger was pre- 
cisely the same as the Baron d' Epinay had seen it. 
Here time seemed to have been defied. The marble 
of which the magnificent apartment was built was as 
bright and beautiful as ever, the antique bas-reliefs of 
priceless value were well preserved, and the four 
superb statues with baskets on their heads were yet 
in their places in the corners of the oblong room and 
yet perfect, though no pyramids of splendid fruit now 
filled the baskets. In the centre of the salle-a-manger 
the dining-table still stood with its dishes of silver 
and plates of Japanese china. It was at this table 
that both the Baron d' Epinay and Maximilian Morrel 
had taken that wonderful green preparation, that key 
to the gate of divine dreams, the hatchis of Alexan- 
dria, the hatchis of Abou-Gor. It was at this table 
that Maximilian, when falling under the influence of 
the potent drug, had caught his first glimpse of his 
beloved Yalentine after her supposed death; it was at 
this table that he had been reunited to her on awa- 
king from his hatchis dream. It was in this room that 
Hayd^e had confessed her love for Monte-Cristo and 
had been taken to his heart. 

AH these recollections came thronging upon the 
Count as he stood gazing about him. The thought of 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



259 



Haydde almost melted him to tears, but lie forced 
back the briny drops, and, taking Zuleika tenderly in 
his arms, cried out, in a voice full of emotion: 

"Oh! Hay dee, Haydee, I have lost you, but you 
live for me again in this blessed treasure you have 
bequeathed to me — our darling daughter!" 

Zuleika flung her arms about her father's neck and 
kissed him fervently. 

"I know not," she saicl, effusively, "what memories, 
what associations, this room recalls, but it has made 
you think of my mother and I bless it!" 

When they both had grown calmer, Monte-Cristo 
said to his daughter: 

"There is yet another apartment for us to see. Let 
us go to it." 

They entered the adjoining chamber. It was a 
strangely furnished apartment. Circular in shape it 
was surrounded by a large divan, which, as well as the 
walls, ceiling and floor, was covered with what had 
been magnificent skins of the large-maned lions of 
Atlas, striped Bengal tigers, spotted panthers of the 
Cape, bears of Siberia and foxes of Norway, but all 
these elegant furs that were strewn in profusion, one 
over another, had been eaten by moths and worms 
and rotted by the dampness until they scarcely held 
together. The divan was that upon which the Baron 
d' Epinay had reclined, and the chibouques, with jas- 
mine tubes and amber mouthpieces, that he had seen, 
prepared so that there was no need to smoke the 
same pipe twice, were still in their places and were 
the only things in the whole room that had* escaped 



260 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



from the clutch of years unscathed. This chamber 
•was brilliantly illuminated by the blaze of several 
large lamps of tarnished silver and gold suspended 
from the ceiling and protruding from the walls, and 
the salle-a-manger was lighted in the same fashion. 

Zuleika stood in the midst of all this decayed 
grandeur, lost in wonder, utterly bewildered by what 
she beheld. She spoke not a single syllable, for 
words were inadequate to express her deep amaze- 
ment. 

Monte- Cristo threw himself upon the divan from 
"which a cloud of stifling dust arose. Taking one of 
the chibouques in which a supply of Turkish tobacco 
yet remained, he lighted it and began to smoke. 

Zuleika now saw that the heavy, delicious perfume 
with which the grotto palace was filled came from 
frankincense smouldering in a huge malachite vase 
placed in the centre of this bewildering chamber. 

After he had puffed a few whiffs of smoke from 
the chibouque, Monte- Cristo removed the amber mouth- 
piece from his lips and rising said: 

"You have now seen my subterranean abode, Zu- 
leika, the abode where in the past I sought refuge 
from the world and solace for my woes. It seems 
to you like the product of some potent magician's 
spell and, in truth, it was so, but that magician was 
good fortune and the spell was colossal wealth, to 
the vast and subtle influence of which all nations and 
all lands yield slavish submission and implicit obedi- 
ence! You do not know the romantic, incredible 
history of this abode, my daughter, and it is not my 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



261 



intention to relate it to you, for your youthful brain 
could scarcely comprehend it. Be .satisfied then with 
what you have beheld. Treasure it in your memory 
if you will either as a reality or merely as a passing 
vision, but do not, I conjure you, ever mention this 
adventure to me or any other living soul ! I have 
had confidence in you, my child; repay that confidence 
by strictly obeying this wish, nay, this command, of 
mine! These grottoes belong to the past and to ob- 
livion ; to the past and to oblivion, therefore, let them 
be consigned! Promise me to do as I desire!" 

Amazed by this strange speech, which the Count 
uttered in a voice tremulous with emotion, as much 
as by any of the inexplicable wonders she had seen, 
Zuleika replied, in a tone full of agitation: 

"I promise, solemnly promise, father, to fulfil your 
injunctions in this matter to the very letter! I have 
a woman's curiosity and a woman's inclination to 
gossip," she added, with a faint smile, "but for your 
dear sake I will repress them both, at least, so far as 
concerns this truly marvellous subterranean palace 
and our visit to it to-day!" 

"And you will keep your word, my noble child!" 
said Monte-Cristo, gazing tenderly and admiringly at 
her. "Now I will remove this Tunis dress in which 
I have been, without doubt, exceedingly ridiculous in 
your eyes, for you are altogether unacquainted with 
the associations that surround it and endear it to me, 
dignify it, so to speak, beyond any other costume 
I have ever worn ! " 

Zuleika lifted her hands in protest, exclaiming: 



262 



THE ISLE OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



"You could not, dear father, appear ridiculous in 
my eyes, no matter, in what garb you were clothed !" 

Monte- Cristo smiled approvingly, but a trifle in- 
credulously and quitted the circular apartment. When 
he returned he was clad in the costume he had worn 
on coming from the yacht. 

" Take a last look around you, Zuleika," he said, in 
a tone he vainly endeavored to render firm. "We are 
now about to quit this place forever!" 

He took her hand and led her from the room. 
Slowly and as if regretfully they passed through the 
salle-a-manger and the apartment they had first enter- 
ed, gaining the stairway and preparing to ascend it. 
At the foot of the steps Monte-Cristo paused and 
turned to Ali. He was ghastly pale and trembled 
slightly. With a powerful effort he, however, con- 
trolled- his agitation. 

" Ali," said he, in a voice that sounded strangely in 
Zuleika's ear, "is everything in readiness?" 

The faithful Nubian, scarcely less affected than his 
master, bowed affirmatively. 

" Then farewell, ye grottoes of Monte-Cristo ! " cried 
the Count, excitedly. "Farewell forever!" 

He hastily mounted the stairway, almost dragging 
Zuleika with him. Ali remained below. 

When they reached the open air they paused until 
the mute joined them; then the little party regained 
the beach, where Monte-Cristo waved his handkerchief 
thrice. In obedience to this signal the boat imme- 
diately left the yacht and was pulled swiftly to the 
shore. 



*HE ISLE OF MONTE-CKISTO. 



263 



A few moments later the Count, Zuleika and Ali 
were safely deposited on the Haydee's deck and the 
gallant little vessel turned her prow towards the 
Italian coast. 

Monte- Cristo and his daughter, with Ali at a short 
distance from them, stood closely watching the fast 
disappearing island. The Count was more agitated and 
paler than he had yet been. Nervous tremors shook 
his frame and his teeth were firmly clenched. The 
usually impassible countenance of the faithful Nubian 
mute wore an expression of blank horror. Zuleika 
gazed at her father and then at the servant. She 
knew not what to make of their strange, inexplicable 
emotion. Placing her hand upon the Count's shoul- 
der, she was about to speak to him, to endeavor to 
calm his agitation, when suddenly there was a loud 
explosion on the Isle of Monte- Cristo and a huge 
column of black smoke shot up into the air. 

The Count covered his face with his hands as if to 
shut out the sight. Ali fell prostrate upon the deck, 
pressing his contorted visage against his master's feet. 

"What was that, oh! father, what was that?" cried 
Zuleika, clinging to the Count in wild alarm. 

"The subterranean palace of the Isle of Monte- 
Cristo is no more!" he replied, sadly. "At my com- 
mand it replaced with its magnificence the rude and 
shapeless grottoes, at my command it has perished |" 

As he spoke the rocky island was gradually lost to 
view in the distance, and the Haydee sped over the 
waves of the Mediterranean like some glorious water- 
fowl in full flight. 



264 



ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 



CHAPTBE XXI. 

ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 

NOTHING occurred to impede the progress of the 
Haydee and, after a rapid and pleasant voy- 
age, the beautiful craft cast anchor in the harbor of 
Civita Vecckia, the principal seaport city of the Pon- 
tifical States, which owes its origin to the Emperor 
Trajan. The strict quarantine regulations of the place 
caused a brief delay, which Monte- Cristo a#d Zuleika 
bore with ill-concealed impatience, but the period re- 
quired by law for purification at length expired and the 
travelers were accorded official permission to proceed 
to Borne. Of this they immediately availed themselves 
and in a short time were in the Eternal City com- 
fortably installed in the best apartments the Hotel de 
France afforded. 

The Count's first care was to send his card to M. 
and Mme. Morrel, who at once hastened to his parlor, 
where the most cordial greetings were exchanged. 
That Monte- Cristo should be in Eome did not in the 
slightest degree astonish Maximilian and Valentine, 
who were fully aware of his habit of suddenly making 
his appearance in unexpected spots apparently with- 
out motive, but the presence of Zuleika at this criti- 
cal juncture both surprised them and filled them with 
consternation. What answer should they make to 



ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 



265 



her when she inquired concerning Giovanni? How 
was the fact of his sad condition to be kept from 
her when all Eome knew of it and it was the current 
gossip of the city? Valentine had written several 
letters to the girl since quitting Paris, but in them 
had dealt only in generalities; she had studiously re- 
frained from informing her of the true state of things, 
hoping against hope that she would eventually have 
some cheering intelligence to impart. The Count, 
however, speedily relieved the devoted husband and 
wife of their anxiety. He knew as well as they that 
his daughter could not fail soon to learn that the 
Viscount was a maniac and preferred to break the 
terrible news to her himself. As soon, therefore, as 
the greetings were over, before Zuleika could whisper 
to Mme. *Morrel the question that was trembling on 
her lips, the dreaded inquiry as to her lover and his 
whereabouts, he said, in a quiet tone: 

" Maximilian and Valentine, you, no doubt, wonder 
why we have come to Eome, what is our business 
here. I will tell you. We have come to clear an 
unfortunate man, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti, of 
a fearful charge that has long hung over him." 

M. and Mme. Morrel exchanged glances. Now was 
their time to speak, to avow their mission to Monte- 
Cristo. 

" Count," said Maximilian, pointing to his wife, " we 
also came hither on the same errand. Zuleika con- 
fessed her love for the young Italian to Valentine, 
who extracted from her the nature of the charge to 
which you have just alluded. Pardon us for having 



266 



ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 



acted without your authorization, but we desired to 
succeed before confessing to you the part we had 
taken in the affair." 
Monte-Cristo smiled. 

"You need no pardon from me," he said, gently, 
much affected by this proof of devotion to his 
daughter and through her to him ; " on the contrary 
you have my gratitude as well as Zuleika's! But 
what success have you met with?" 

" Alas ! none of any moment as yet," answered M. 
Morrel, sadly. 

"Such a result was to be expected," returned the 
Count, gravely. "You had no evidence to establish 
Giovanni's innocence and it was impossible for you to 
obtain any. I have the evidence, conclusive evidence! 
When the proper moment arrives I will produce it, 
remove the stain from his name and confound his 
enemies!" 

" Thank God ! " simultaneously exclaimed M. and 
Mme. Morrel, Valentine taking Zuleika in her arms, 
kissing her and clasping her to her bosom. 

"But," continued Monte-Cristo, glancing anxiously 
at his daughter, "the unfortunate young man must 
first be taken in hand and cured!" 

Maximilian and Valentine again exchanged glances. 
They felt relieved. The Count knew all. He was 
making the disclosure gradually, considerately. They 
silently waited for further developments, holding their 
breath. Valentine's heart beat almost audibly. Zu- 
leika started from her arms and gazed at her father 
with anxious, astonished eyes. 



ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 



267 



" Cured ? " she repeated, in a tremulous voice. " Is 
Giovanni ill?" 

" He is, my child," answered the Count. 

What would he say next? How much was he go- 
ing to disclose? Surely not the whole of the dread- 
ful truth ! These thoughts shot like lightning through 
the minds of M. and Mme. Morrel. Maximilian stood 
like a statue, motionless, pale, gazing upon Monte- 
Cristo as a condemned criminal gazes upon his 
executioner. Valentine seized her husband's hand and 
held it^ like a vise. 

Zuleika stared at the Morrels; she could not under- 
stand their action, their breathless interest. Then her 
glance reverted to her father and, for the first time, 
she saw that, notwithstanding his apparent calmness, 
he, too, was under the dominion of some intense 
emotion. 

" Father!" she cried, clasping her hands appealingly, 
"what do you mean? You say that Giovanni is ill, 
but your look expresses more than your words! 
With what fearful malady has he been stricken? 
Tell me, I conjure you! I will be strong — I will 
bear it!" 

"My child," said the Count, in a solemn tone, 
"then summon all your courage, all your firmness to 
your aid! Young Massetti, overwhelmed by his 
troubles, has fallen a prey to a mental disease!" 

"Mon Dieu! mon Dieu!" groaned Zuleika, in an- 
guish, "do you mean to say that he has lost his mind, 
that he is a lunatic?" 

"Such, alas! is the case! But, my daughter, trust 



268 



ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 



in me! I will find him and science will effect his 
cure ! " 

The poor girl, stunned by the terrible intelligence 
of her lover's condition, stood for an instant with her 
eyes stonily fixed upon her father. Tears refused to 
come to her relief. Then she tottered, staggered as 
if she had been suddenly struck with a heavy missile, 
and fell fainting into Valentine's outstretched arms. 
Maximilian assisted his wife to place her in a fauteuil, 
after which he seized the bell cord. 

"For what are you going to ring?" asked Monte- 
Cristo, who had hurried to his daughter's side. 

"For brandy," answered M. Morrel, his hand still 
on the cord. "It will revive her." 

"Never mind the brandy," returned the Count, as 
he took a small vial containing a red-looking fluid 
from his pocket and, opening Zuleika's mouth, poured 
eight drops of the liquid down her throat. "This is 
the Abbe Faria's elixir, a potent remedy that never 
yet failed of effect ! It will work like a charm ! See ! 
It is already doing its office!" 

As he uttered these words Zuleika moved slightly 
in the fauteuil, then opened her eyes and gazed about 
her in bewilderment. Almost immediately, however, 
she realized that she had swooned and a full sense of 
her father's terrible though considerately made revela- 
tion returned to her. She buried her face in her 
hands, quivered from head to foot, and then the 
glistening drops trickling through her fingers told 
that the tears had at last come to calm her. Valen- 
tine bent over her, gently stroking her raven hair and 



ZULEIKA LEAKNS THE TRUTH. 



269 



endeavoring in a womanly way to soothe her, while 
the Count and Maximilian looked on with anxious 
countenances, waiting for Mme. Morrel's touch and 
influence to do their work. 

Suddenly Zuleika removed her hands from her 
tear-bathed visage, straightened herself up in the faa- 
teuil and, fixing her glance on Monte-Cristo, said, in 
a low, faint and gasping tone that betrayed the depth, 
the intensity, of her emotion : 

" Father, you spoke of finding Giovanni ! Has he 
disappeared? " 

The Count compressed his lips, hesitating to reply. 
He wished to keep back as much of the dread truth 
as possible. He feared the effect upon his daughter 
of the startling announcement that young Massetti 
was wandering about amid the ruins of the Colosseum 
like a second King Lear on the blasted heath. But 
Maximilian came quickly to his aid. 

" There is no need to find the Viscount," he said. 
" He has already been found and is at present under 
treatment in a suitable institution, where he is both 
comfortable and contented." 

Zuleika cast a grateful look at M. and Mme. Mor- 
rel. Monte-Cristo seized Maximilian's hand and press- 
ed it warmly. 

"You have done this, my friend," said he, his 
'countenance brightening, "and I thank you for it!" 

" Do not thank me," replied the husband, gazing 
fondly and admiringly at his wife; "thank Valentine, 
for she it was who formed the plan and successfully 
carried it into execution!" 



270 



ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 



Mme. Morrel cast down her eyes and a heightened 
color overspread her charming face. 

"You are an angel, Valentine !" exclaimed Monte - 
Cristo, enthusiastically. "Maximilian said awhile ago 
that no success of any moment had as yet crowned 
your united efforts, but his statement was too modest. 
Your success has been conspicuous; you have taken 
the first step that I designed making and simplified 
my task to a marked degree, I am deeply indebted 
to you both." 

M. and Mme. Morrel lifted their hands and shook 
their heads in protest. 

"The debt is all on our side," said Maximilian, 
deprecatingly, "and no matter what we may do we 
can never discharge it. We owe you the happiness 
of our lives!" 

Monte-Cristo turned the conversation; he took but 
little credit to himself for the benefits he had con- 
ferred upon his fellow-creatures, considering that every 
good action on his part went towards atoning for the 
terrible catastrophes he had caused in the prosecution 
of his relentless vengeance against his old-time 
enemies. 

"Tell me," said he, addressing M. Morrel^ "what is 
the Viscount's present condition. Is he recovering?" 

Maximilian looked hastily in the direction of Zu- 
lelka ; the poor girl was intently watching him, eagerly 
waiting for his answer. His voice was somewhat un- 
steady as he replied: 

" Ever since he was placed in the institution of which 
I told you he has received the closest and most skilful 



ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 



271 



care, but his progress is very slow, almost impercep- 
tible, though the physician who is ministering to him 
has never ceased to assure us that he will ultimately 
regain the full possession of his health and senses." 

" Oh ! take me to him, take me to him at once ! " 
cried Zuleika, starting to her feet. " My place is by 
his side! I will nurse him, I will cure him!" 

Monte- Cristo glanced at Maximilian, who shook his 
head negatively and whispered in the Count's ear : 

"It will never do to take her to him now; the 
shock of seeing him would be too great! He would 
not even recognize her — he recognizes no one!" 

Zuleika divined enough of what was passing to 
realize that Maximilian opposed her wishes, was stri- 
ving to prevent her from going to her lover, from 
ministering to his wants. She sprang to her father, 
clasped her arms about his neck, and, looking 
pitifully and pleadingly into his face, exclaimed: 

" Oh ! take me to Giovanni, take me to him ! Do 
not deny your loving, dutiful daughter's most earnest 
prayer ! Do not deny it, oh ! my beloved father, do 
not deny it ! " 

Monte- Cristo was touched to the very depths of his 
soul; M. and Mme. Morrel were equally affected. The 
Count, however, instantly decided what was to be 
done. « Tenderly, compassionately, embracing his 
daughter, he said to her, in a soothing voice : 

" My child, for the present it is best that you do 
not go to Giovanni. I will see him for you and with- 
out delay put a plan in operation that I do not 
doubt will result in his speedy cure. I know a won- 



272 



ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 



drous physician whose skill is so great that he can 
almost restore the dead to life. He belongs to the des- 
pised race of Jews, but is a good as well as a marvel- 
Ions man. His name is Dr. Israel Absalom and he 
resides here in Borne, within the walls of the shunned 
and execrated Ghetto, near the Capitoline Mount. I will 
go to him at once and take him to young Massetti. 
My daughter, rest assured that this learned Hebrew 
will work another miracle and give your lover back 
to you and in all the glory of his mind and manhood ! 
Be content, therefore, to remain where you are for a 
brief period, with our devoted friend Valentine as 
your companion and comforter." 

"Yes, Zuleika," said Mme. Morrel, persuasively, 
"be content to remain with me. I will not quit you 
even for an instant. AYe will talk of Giovanni, of 
the happiness and joy the future has in store for 
both of you, and, believe me, the hours will pass on 
rapid wings! " 

As Valentine spoke she gently disengaged the girl 
from her father's neck and passed her arm lovingly 
around her slender waist. Zuleika's head sank upon 
her friend's shoulder. 

"I yield to my father's solicitations and to your 
own, Valentine," she said, submissively. "You are 
older and wiser than I am and what you say is 
without doubt for the best. I will remain and trust 
to the wondrous physician." 

"I have heard a great deal of this Dr. Absalom 
since I have been in Borne," said M. Morrel, address- 
ing Monte-Cristo. "The common people regard him 



ZULEIKA LEARNS THE TRUTH. 273 



as a magician and the higher classes as a cunning 
charlatan, but, if his legitimate scientific skill is 
generally denied, his brilliant and marvellous success, 
even in cases that the best Eoman physicians have 
abandoned as hopeless, is universally admitted." 

"Dr. Absalom is neither a magician nor a charla- 
tan," answered Monte-Cristo, warmly, "but a physi- 
cian of the utmost experience and of the highest 
possible attainments. He is bent beneath the weight 
of years and arduous study, yet his eye is as keen 
and his perception as acute as if he were a youth of 
twenty. No man knows either his age or his history. 
I met him long ago in Athens, where I had the 
good fortune to rescue him from the clutches of a 
howling mob of ruffians who had seized upon him 
and were about to slay him as a sorcerer because 
he had taken into his hut and cured of the plague 
a wretched Greek who had been cast into the streets 
to die! For my sake he will save Giovanni!" 

"But," said Maximilian, as a sudden thought oc- 
curred to him and filled him with dismay, "Dr. Ab- 
salom can practise outside of the Ghetto only by 
stealth and at the risk of being thrown into prison! 
He will not be allowed to visit the Viscount Massetti! " 

The Count of Monte-Cristo drew himself up 
proudly and his peculiar smile passed over his count- 
enance. 

"I will take care of that!" he said, impressively. 

Zuleika was left with Mme. Morrel, and, accom- 
panied by Maximilian, Monte-Cristo at once started 
for the Ghetto. 
17 



274 THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 



CHAPTEK XXII. 

THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 

ABEISK walk of half an hour brought the 
Count and his companion to one of the two 
gates in the wall of the Ghetto or Jews' quarter of 
Borne. Monte- Cristo knocked at a wicket and a po- 
liceman immediately appeared. He was a young man 
and wore a military dress. His coat was buttoned to 
the throat, a yellow cord and tassel gracefully looped 
over the breast. His hands were encased in white 
cotton gloves, a helmet adorned with brass was upon 
his head and at his side hung a sword, while on the 
collar of his coat the number of his regiment shone 
in gilt figures. The man's bearing was soldierly and 
he had evidently seen service in the field. The 
Count addressed him in Italian, informing him that 
he and M. Morrel desired to visit the Ghetto, at the 
same time exhibiting their passports. After examin- 
ing the papers and seeing that they were in proper 
form the policeman opened the gate and the visitors 
entered the crowded and filthy precincts of the Jews' 
quarter. 

"Mon Dieu! what vile odors!" exclaimed M. Mor- 
rel, placing his handkerchief saturated with cologne to 
his nose, as they hurried through the narrow, gar- 
bage-encumbered lanes. 



THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 



275 



"The atmosphere is not like that of a perfumer's 
shop!" replied the Count, laughing. "But it seems to 
suit the children of Israel, for they thrive and multi- 
ply in it as the sparrows in the pure air and green 
fields of England!" 

"I pity them!" said Maximilian. 

"Tastes differ," returned Monte-Cristo, philosophi- 
cally. "I will wager that in this whole quarter we 
could not find a single Jew who would eat a part- 
ridge in that state of partial decay in which a 
Frenchman deems it most palatable!" 

"What a strange, uncouth place this is," said M. 
Morrel, after a brief silence. "It seems like some 
city of the far orient. No one, suddenly transported 
here, would ever imagine that he was in the heart of 
Eome." 

"It closely resembles the Judengasse at Frankfort- 
on-the-Main," replied the Count, "and is quite as an- 
cient though much larger. But the Germans are more 
progressive and liberal than the Eomans, for the gates 
that closed the Judengasse were removed in 1806, 
while those of the Ghetto still remain and are, as 
you have seen, in charge of the police, who subject 
every person entering or quitting the place to the 
closest scrutiny. Even as far back as the 17th cen- 
tury the gates of the Judengasse were shut and locked 
only at nightfall, after which no Jew could venture 
into any other part of Frankfort without incurring a 
heavy pen'alty if caught, whereas here at the present 
time, in this age of enlightenment and religious tolera- 
tion, the gates of the Ghetto are kept closed day and 



276 



THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 



night, and the poor Israelites, victims of bigotry and 
unreasoning prejudice, are treated worse than the 
pariahs in Hindoostan! Eome is the Eternal City 
and verily its faults are as eternal as itself! " 

Monte-Cristo had evidently visited the Ghetto before, 
as he seemed thoroughly familiar with its crooked lanes 
and obscure byways, pursuing his course without hesi- 
tation or pause for inquiry. It apparently contained 
no new sights or surprises for him. To M. Morrel, 
on the contrary, who now was within its walls for 
the first time, it presented an unending series of won- 
ders. The buildings particularly impressed him. They 
looked as if erected away back in remote antiquity, 
and were curiously quaint combinations of wood and 
stone, exceedingly picturesque in appearance. Most of 
them were not more than eight or ten feet wide and 
towered to a height of four stories, resembling dwarfed 
steeples rather than houses. Not a new or modern 
edifice was to be seen in any direction. Many of the 
buildings were in a ruinous condition and some seemed 
actually about to crumble to pieces, while here and 
there great piles of shapeless rubbish marked the spots 
where others had fallen. As they were passing one of 
these piles, much larger than the rest, Maximilian 
called Monte- Cristo's attention to it. The Count glanced 
at it and said: 

" That was once the dwelling of old Isaac Nabal, 
known to his people as Isaac the Moneylender, but 
styled by the Eomans Isaac the Usurer. He was 
enormously rich and loaned his gold at exorbitant 
rates to the extravagant and impecunious Eoman 



THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 



277 



nobles. Isaac was wifeless and childless, but so eager 
for gain was he that he kept his house constantly 
filled with lodgers. The house was perhaps the oldest 
in all the Ghetto. Strange noises were heard in it 
every night occasioned by the falling of plaster or 
partition walls. It was no uncommon thing for a 
lodger to be suddenly roused from his sleep by a 
crash and find himself bruised and bleeding. Still 
old Isaac sturdily refused to make repairs. He as- 
serted that the rickety edifice would last as long as 
he did, and he was not wrong, for one night it came 
down bodily about his ears and he perished amid the 
ruins together with thirty others, all who were in the 
aged rookery at the time. This catastrophe happened 
twenty years ago." 

"Do the houses often fall here?" asked M. Morrel, 
glancing uneasily around him at the dilapidated 
buildings. 

"Very often," answered the Count. "Age and de- 
cay will bring them all down sooner or later." 

"Then for Heaven's sake let us hasten lest we be 
crushed beneath some sudden wreck ! " said Maximilian. 
"The houses project over the street at the upper 
stories until they almost join each other in mid air. 
If one should fall there would be no escape!" 

"Have no fear, Maximilian!" replied Monte-Cristo, 
smiling. "A famous astrologer once assured me 
that I bore a charmed life, and if I escape you will 
also!" 

The ground floors of the houses were for the most 
part occupied as shops of various kinds and the 



278 



THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN, 



upper portions used as dwellings. Jewish merchants 
stood at the doors of the shops and Jewish women, 
some of them very beautiful, were occasionally seen 
at the upper windows. The streets were thronged 
with pedestrians of both sexes and here and there 
groups of chubby, black-haired children were at play. 

Maximilian was amazed to notice that most of the 
men they met took off their hats to Monte-Cristo and 
that some of them saluted him by name. 

"You appear to be pretty well known to the Israe- 
lites," said he, at length. 

"Yes,'' answered the Count, "many of them know 
me. I have had frequent occasion to consult with 
them on matters of importance. They are a shrewd 
and trusty people." 

By this time Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel had 
reached a lane narrower and darker than any they 
had yet traversed. Into this the Count turned and 
after he had taken his companion a short distance 
stopped in front of a dingy but well-preserved build- 
ing. It differed from its neighbors in having no shop 
on the ground floor and in being tightly closed from 
bottom to top. It looked as if it were uninhabited. 

"We have reached our destination," said Monte- 
Cristo. "This is the residence of Dr. Absalom." 

Maximilian stared at him in astonishment. 

"The house is deserted," said he. "Are you not 
mistaken? " 

"No. This is the place." 

"I fear then that the physician has left it and per- 
haps also the Ghetto." 



THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 



279 



Monte- Cristo smiled. 

"You do not know him," he said. "His habits 
and manner of living are very peculiar. Prepare to 
be greatly surprised! " 

Thus speaking he went to the door of the tightly- 
closed dwelling and struck five loud raps upon it, 
three very quickly and two very slowly delivered. 
The sounds seemed to reverberate through the house 
as if it were not only uninhabited but also unfurnish- 
ed. Several minutes elapsed but no response was 
heard to Monte- Cristo's signal, no one came in obedi- 
ence to his summons. The Count held his watch in 
his hand and his eyes were riveted upon the dial. 

M. Morrel grew slightly impatient; he said to his 
companion, triumphantly : 

"I told you that the house was deserted and I was 
right!" 

The Count smiled again, but made no reply, still 
keeping his eyes fixed on the dial of his watch. 

"Ten minutes!" said he, and he repeated his signal, 
but this time struck only three rapid blows. As 
before no answer was returned. 

Maximilian was much interested and not a little 
amused, the Count's proceedings were so singular. 

"Fifteen minutes!" said Monte-Cristo at length, 
putting up his watch $nd giving one long, resounding 
rap upon the door. 

The effect was instantaneous. The portal swung 
open through some unseen influence, as if by magic, 
disclosing a long, bare, gloomy corridor, but not a sign 
of human life was visible. 



280 



THE WONDKOUS PHYSICIAN. 



M. Morrel's interest and amusement changed to 
wonder and amazement; lie was thoroughly mystified 
and bewildered. 

"The common people of Eome are not very far 
astray in their estimate of this Dr. Absalom!" he 
muttered. "This certainly looks as if the man were 
a magician ! " 

"Pshaw!" returned Monte-Cristo, with a display of 
impatience he rarely exhibited. " The learned He- 
brew is compelled to take his precautions ; that is all. 
Follow me, and no matter what you may see or hear, 
if you wish our enterprise to be crowned with success 
utter not a word, not a sound, until I give you per- 
mission!" 

The Count entered the corridor, followed by his 
perplexed and astounded friend. Immediately the 
door closed noiselessly behind them and they found 
themselves amid thick darkness. Monte-Cristo took 
M. Morrel by the hand, leading him forward until their 
progress was completely barred by what appeared to 
be the end of the corridor. Here the Count paused 
and said some words in Hebrew. A faint response 
came promptly from beyond the corridor in the same 
language, and immediately the light of a lamp flashed 
upon the visitors. A door had opened and on the 
threshold stood the strangest looking specimen of 
humanity Maximilian had ever beheld. The new 
comer was a very aged man, with stooped shoulders, 
a long white beard that reached to his waist and a 
profusion of snowy hair that escaped from beneath a 
cap of purple velvet at the side of which hung a 



THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 



281 



bright crimson tassel. He wore a long Persian caftan 
of pink satin, profusely and beautifully embroidered 
with gold, full oriental trousers of red velvet and 
elaborately adorned slippers of tiger skin. On his 
long, bony fingers sparkled several diamond rings un- 
doubtedly of immense value and a cluster of brilliant 
emeralds magnificently set in gold adorned his breast. 
This singular vision of eastern luxury, wealth and 
sumptuousness held the lamp, which was of wrought 
bronze and resembled those found among the ruins of 
ancient Pompeii, above his head and by its light Max- 
imilian could see that his eyes were keen and piercing 
and that his countenance betokened the highest intel- 
lectuality. 

"Who is it that thus summons the sage from his 
meditations?" asked the old man, in a remarkably 
youthful voice. This time he spoke in Italian. 

" One who served you in the past, oh ! Dr. Absalom," 
replied Monte-Cristo, also using the language of Italy, 
"and who now solicits a service of you in return. 
Eemember the mob of Athens and the Frank who 
interposed to save you from destruction!" 

The old man lowered his lamp and held it close to 
his famous visitor's face; then he joyfully exclaimed: 

"Welcome, Edmond Dantes, Count of Monte-Cristo! 
Welcome to the abode of your devoted servant Israel 
Absalom! Whatever he can do to serve you shall be 
done, no matter at what cost ! " 

Then, for the first time, he observed that the Count 
was ngt alone and fixed his keen eyes on M. Morrel 
with a look of suspicion and inquiry. 



282 



THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 



"One of my dearest friends, M. Maximilian Morrel, 
Captain in the Army of France," said Monte-Cristo, in 
answer to this look. "You can have as full confi- 
dence in him as in me." 

Dr. Absalom bowed profoundly to M. Morrel, and 
without another word led the way to an inner apart- 
ment. It was a vast chamber, closed like the front 
of the house, brilliantly illuminated by a huge chan- 
delier suspended from the ceiling in which burned 
twenty wax candles of various hues. The room was 
provided with all the apparatus and paraphernalia of 
a chemist's laboratory of modern days, also containing 
many strange instruments and machines such as aided 
the researches and labors of the old-time disciples 
of alchemy. 

In the centre of the apartment stood a vast table 
covered with gigantic parchment-bound tomes and rolls 
of yellow manuscript. Behind this table was a huge, 
high-backed chair of elaborate antique workmanship 
resembling the throne of some Asiatic sovereign of 
the remote past. In this chair the physician seated 
himself after having installed his visitors each upon 
a commodious and comfortable Turkish divan. 

Maximilian noticed that the floor of the room was 
covered with soft and elegant Persian rugs and that 
the walls were hung with exquisitely beautiful tapes- 
try. Monte-Cristo had warned him to prepare to be 
greatly surprised, but Dr. Absalom's lavish display of 
wealth, luxury and taste in the midst of the filthy, 
dilapidated Ghetto, nevertheless, absolutely stunned 
him. The Count had also cautioned him not to 



THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 283 

speak without his permission — a useless injunction, for 
the young Frenchman was too much amazed to utter 
a syllable. 

After seating himself the Hebrew sage, who seemed 
to be a man of business as well as of science, re- 
quested the Count to state in what he could serve 
him. Thereupon Monte-Cristo succinctly related the 
history of the Viscount Massetti, told of his mental 
malady, his confinement in the insane asylum and 
ended by asking the physician if he could and would 
cure him. 

"I have already heard somewhat of this unfortu- 
nate young man," replied Dr. Absalom, "and the fact 
of his insanity was also imparted to me, but before ex- 
pressing an opinion as to what my science can do in 
his case, I must have the particulars." 

The Count motioned to M. Morrel, who, having by 
this time partially recovered from his bewilderment, 
at once proceeded to give the aged Hebrew the infor- 
mation he required. When he had concluded Dr. 
Absalom said, in a quiet, confident tone: 

"Count of Monte-Cristo, the case is plain. I can 
and will cure this stricken young Italian!" 

"I was sure of it!" cried the Count, joyously and 
triumphantly. M. Morrel was not less delighted, but, 
at the same time, he could not feel as confident as 
his friend of the Jew's ability to perform his promise. 

The physician spoke a few words in Hebrew to 
Monte-Cristo. The reply of the latter seemed to give 
him entire satisfaction, for he said in Italian: 

" In that event there, will be no opposition from 



284 



THE WONDROUS PHYSICIAN. 



either the authorities of Eome or those of the insane 
asylum. I will be at the asylum at noon to-morrow, 
fully prepared to restore Massetti to health and reason!" 

The Count and Maximilian arose and bidding the 
sage adieu were conducted by him to the corridor. 
They were soon in the street and made their way out 
of the Ghetto as speedily as possible. 



A MODERN" MIRACLE. 



285 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

A MODERN MIRACLE. 

MONTE-CKISTO, whose power and influence 
seemed to be absolutely boundless, presented 
himself on the following morning at the insane asy- 
lum where the Viscount Massetti was under treatment 
armed with a permit from the Papal Secretary of 
State, Cardinal Monti, for the Hebrew physician, Dr. 
Israel Absalom, to assume charge of the case of the 
noble patient. The director of the institution shrug- 
ged his shoulders when this permit was exhibited to 
him by M. Morrel, who had accompanied the Count 
for the purpose of introducing him to that official. 

"Messieurs," said he, in very good French, "I am 
bound to respect this paper, but I solemnly protest 
against trusting the patient to this Hebrew charlatan 
and wash my hands of all responsibility in the pre- 
mises!" 

"M. the director," replied Monte-Cristo, in a digni- 
fied tone, "notwithstanding the repeated assertion of 
your physician who has been in charge of young 
Massetti ever since his arrival here that his malady 
was entirely curable, he has made but little if any 
progress with the sufferer, who to-day is still insane. 
Dr. Absalom, even though he be a charlatan as you 
maintain, but which, if you will pardon me, I must 



286 



A MODERK MIRACLE. 



decline to admit, could not make a more conspicuous 
and complete failure!" 

" M. the Count," said the director, coldly, evidently 
not relishing Monte-Cristo's bluntness, "all that the 
most advanced science can do has been done. Insan- 
ity is a disease slow and difficult of cure; time is. re- 
quired to produce results and it will be fully a year 
before the Viscount can, even under the most favora- 
ble circumstances, be thoroughly restored." 

"Your -experience entitles your opinion to respect," 
returned the Count, with equal coldness, "but still I* 
cannot .accept that opinion as final." 

"As you please," said the official, haughtily. "After 
your Jewish physician, if he really be such, has 
vainly administered his nostrums and ineffectually 
mumbled his incantations, you will be glad enough to 
have the regular practitioner of the asylum resume 
the functions of which you now see fit so summarily 
to deprive him." 

"Perhaps," answered the Count, smiling. "It is 
part of my creed never to despise science in whatever 
form it may come ! " 

The director bowed with satirical politeness. 

At noon precisely Dr. Absalom arrived. He had 
discarded his gaudy and fantastic attire of the previous 
day and appeared in the ordinary street dress of a 
European. If he had seemed imposing to Maximilian 
at his house in the Ghetto, he looked still more im- 
posing to him now, shorn as he was of all oriental 
accessories and depending for effect upon the wondrous 
intellectual aspect of his countenance alone. The only 



A MODEEX MIRACLE. 



287 



article of luxury lie had about him was a massive 
gold-headed cane on which, his years caused him to 
lean heavily. 

Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel received him with the 
utmost courtesy and deference, but the director hardly 
noticed him and with difficulty concealed his disgust. 
The Hebrew sage, however, was used to the uncivil 
manner in which the Italians treated the people of his 
nation and showed not the faintest sign of displeasure, 
though the Count and Maximilian could scarcely re- 
strain themselves from resenting the official's insulting 
behavior. 

Without delay Dr. Absalom was conducted to 
young Massetti's chamber by the physician who up to 
that time had attended the patient. He was an elderly 
man, but though an Italian showed marked respect 
for the aged, noble-looking Hebrew. Monte-Cristo 
and M. Morrel accompanied the two savants, the 
former confident in Dr. Absalom's power to perform 
his promise, the latter hoping for his success, yet 
doubtful of it. 

As the party entered the apartment of the maniac 
the Italian physician said to his Jewish confrere : 

"Dr. Absalom, I would very much like to witness 
your mode of treatment. Will you kindly permit me 
to remain in the room? " 

" Certainly," replied the Hebrew. " I have nothing 
whatever to conceal; but," he added, with twinkling 
eyes, "I warn you in advance that you will be no 
wiser after you have witnessed my operations and 
their result than you are at present ! " 



288 



A MODERN MIRACLE. 



The Viscount was sitting in a large arm-chair, his 
face buried in his hands. At the entrance of the 
four men he murmured, without looking up: 

" Why has the beautiful vision left me ? Why does 
the divine Juno deny me the light of her presence?" 

Dr. Absalom glanced inquiringly at his companions. 

" He means Valentine, my wife," explained Maxi- 
milian. "She resorted to a pardonable little artifice 
to lure him hither." 

"Let her be sent for at once," said the Hebrew. 
11 1 shall have need of her." 

"But," objected Monte-Cristo, "Mme. Morrel is 
taking charge of my daughter, this poor young man's 
betrothed, who is terribly cast down by her lover's 
fearful misfortune and cannot be left alone." 

"His betrothed!" exclaimed Dr. Absalom. "Better 
and better! Let her also be brought! I shall have 
need of her too!" 

"You shall be obeyed, Doctor," said Monte-Cristo, 
and M. Morrel was at once dispatched to the Hotel 
de France with instructions to return immediately 
with his wife and Zuleika. 

When they had arrived and their presence in an 
adjoining apartment was announced to Dr. Absalom 
by Maximilian, the Hebrew said: 

" M. Morrel, kindly conduct your wife hither, and 
you, M. the Count, go to your daughter and remain 
with her until I summon you. Tell the poor child to be 
of good cheer! that her lover shall be restored to her!" 

Monte-Cristo quitted the chamber, followed by 
-Maximilian, who instantly came back with Valentine. 



A MODERN MIRACLE. 



289 



"Mme. Morrel," said the Jewish physician, "go to 
the patient and take his hand." 

Valentine did as directed. At her touch the Vis- 
count started up, exclaiming, in tones of the utmost 
delight: 

" Divine Juno, pardon me! I have wronged you! 
I thought you had deserted me, but I was in error, 
for you are here!" 

He fixed his eyes upon her, gazing at her like one 
entranced, paying no heed whatever to the others in 
the apartment. Valentine glanced at Dr. Absalom, 
who slowly left his place, gliding stealthily to Mas- 
setti's side. Erecting himself to his full height, he 
extended his hands above Giovanni's head; almost 
instantly the demented man sank back into his chair 
as if pressed down by some colossal, some irresistible 
force; then he closed his eyes, falling into a calm, 
peaceful slumber. Valentine, released from his clasp, 
stood looking on, lost in speechless wonder. Maxi- 
milian was also amazed at this prompt exhibition of 
the Hebrew's power, but the Italian physician, who 
had been intently watching, whispered in his ear: 

"The Jew is a mesmerist; that is all; at least, all 
that has been developed so far!" 

Meanwhile Dr. Absalom continued to hold his 
hands above the patient's head that drooped more 
and more until it finally sank upon his breast. For 
a moment longer the Hebrew maintained his position; 
then he withdrew his hands, taking a small vial from 
the pocket of his coat and uncorking it; immediately 
a powerful and subtle odor pervaded the apartment, 
18 



290 



A MODERN MIRACLE. 



causing Valentine, Maximilian and the Italian physi- 
cian to breathe painfully, as if stifling. 

"What is it?" gasped M. Morrel, catching the 
Italian by the arm. 

11 J do not know," answered the latter. "But look 
at Massetti — his face is violet, the preliminary hue of 
death! If the Jew kills the patient nothing can save 
him from the fury of the Eoman populace!" 

The subtle odor increased in intensity and the Vis- 
count's face changed from violet to an ashen pale- 
ness. 

"He is dead!" cried the Italian. "Dr. Absalom, 
you are a murderer!" 

The Hebrew waved his hand commandingly and, 
with a look of the utmost dignity and sternness, said: 

"Be silent and wait!" 

He corked the vial, replaced it in his pocket and 
opened a window. The fresh air flooded the place 
and gradually the oppressive odor vanished. 

The patient was yet of a ghastly pallor. Dr. Ab- 
salom felt his pulse, counting the beats by his watch. 
A smile of satisfaction overspread his intellectual 
countenance. 

"The remedy has done its work!" he said. "Now 
for the second and vital application! Whatever may 
happen," he added, impressively, turning to the Ital- 
ian physician, "I charge you on your life , not to in- 
terfere or interrupt me!" 

Producing another vial, larger than the first, he 
held it aloft and shook it, examining its contents with 
the closest scrutiny. The deeply interested and some- 



A MODERN MIRACLE. 



291 



what awed observers saw a bright green fluid flash 
in the sunlight. Satisfied with his examination, the 
Hebrew uncorked the vial; then, opening the patient's 
mouth, he poured the emerald liquid gradually down 
his throat, drop by drop. For soma seconds after this 
no change in Massetti was perceptible. He still sat 
sleeping in his chair with his head bowed, and the 
ghastly hue of his visage remained unaltered. Dr. 
Absalom had again drawn his watch from his fob, 
dividing his attention between noting the flight of 
time and intently observing the patient. So profound 
was the silence in the room that the regular tick of 
the watch was distinctly audible in all parts of it. 

Suddenly Giovanni began to quiver. A violent 
convulsion followed, shaking him from head to foot 
and fearfully contorting his face, his hands curling up 
like a strip of paper that has been scraped with a 
knife. His condition was frightful to behold. Maxi- 
milian and the Italian looked on anxiously, holding their 
breath. Valentine unable to bear the sight turned 
away, emotion and terror contending within her for 
the mastery. The Hebrew, however, was all nerve and 
confidence. When a quarter of an hour had elapsed 
he put up his watch. Massetti's convulsion had pass- 
ed away, his hands had uncurled and his unearthly 
pallor had been succeeded by a faint flush. He reclined 
in his chair as if wrapped in a healthful slumber. 
Presently his lips parted. 

u Zuleika ! " he murmured. " Oh ! my beloved ! " 

Dr. Absalom glanced at the Italian physician signi- 
ficantly, triumphantly. 



292 



A MODERN MIRACLE. 



" The patient is dreaming," he said, " and it is a 
good sign — he is dreaming of his betrothed whom in 
his insanity he had entirely forgotten — another good 
sign ! My treatment is working ! I shall succeed ! " 
Turning to Maximilian, he added: "Aid me to place 
the. Viscount upon his bed, if you please." 

M. Morrel complied with alacrity and Massetti was 
immediately extended on his couch in a comfortable 
position. Dr. Absalom again felt his pulse, counting 
it as before by his watch ; then he said : 

" The patient may now awake at any time, but it 
is probable that fifteen minutes will first elapse. Let 
the Count and his daughter be summoned." 

Maximilian opened the door and beckoned without. 
Monte-Cristo and Zuleika entered. 

"My child," said the Hebrew, taking the latter by 
the hand and leading her to her lovers bedside, "look 
upon your betrothed ! He is sleeping peacefully and 
dreaming of you ! Awhile ago he uttered your name ! 
Courage, daughter, courage ! The worst is over ! The 
clouds are sweeping from the young man's mind to 
leave it clear and perfect ! Eemain here where I 
place you ! It is important that upon awaking the 
patient's eyes shall rest on you ! " 

Zuleika, astounded, bewildered, gazed at her lover 
and with difficulty resisted the impulse to cast herself 
upon his neck. 

Monte-Cristo, Maximilian, Valentine and the Italian 
physician grouped themselves a short distance away, 
waiting and watching. Their eagerness and anxiety 
were intense. 



A MODERN MIRACLE. 



293 



Five minutes, ten minutes passed, then fifteen. As 
Dr. Absalom's watch, told the quarter of an hour, the 
Tiscount all at once opened his eyes. They rested on 
Zuleika. The anxious interest of the spectators was 
now at the highest pitch. The Count, M. Morrel, 
Valentine and the Italian leaned forward breathlessly. 
Giovanni put his hand to his brow, uttered a low 
sigh and then sat up, gazing at Monte-Cristo's daughter 
in bewilderment. At last he spoke. 

"Zuleika, darling Zuleika!" he said, faintly, but 
very tenderly, at the same time extending his arms 
towards her. The girl glanced at Dr. Absalom. He 
pointed to Giovanni and smiled. She instantly com- 
prehended his permission and threw herself into her 
lover's embrace. 

" Giovanni, dear Giovanni," she murmured, "you 
are yourself again, are you not?" 

"Myself, Zuleika? Have I ever been otherwise?" 

"You have been very ill, Giovanni." 

"Ah! yes. That is the reason I am here." Glanc- 
ing around him he added: "There is your father, 
too, but who are those strangers with him?" 

"The physicians, and two of our most devoted 
friends, M. Morrel and his wife." 

The Yiscount sank back upon the couch and took 
Zuleika's hand in his, clasping it warmly. 

" I feel faint and feeble," he said, " oh ! so very faint 
and feeble, but a terrible, crushing weight seems to 
have been removed from my brain!" 

He spoke rationally. Dr. Absalom had worked a mod- 
ern miracle — the young man's reason was fully restored! 



294 



A MODERN MIRACLE. 



The Count and Maximilian exchanged glances of 
delight. Valentine's eyes were wet with tears of joy. 
As for Zuleika, her cup of happiness was full. Dr. 
Absalom, smiled placidly. The Italian physician ad- 
vanced and took him by the hand. 

"I congratulate you," said he, cordially. "Your 
skill is simply amazing!" 

The Hebrew bowed profoundly. 

"Doctor," said he, "I have fulfilled my promise 
and my portion of the work is done. The rest re- 
mains for you to accomplish. You must resume 
charge of the patient and restore his strength." 

With these words the old savant resumed his hat, 
saluted all present and, leaning heavily upon his gold- 
headed cane, passed slowly from the apartment. 

Monte-Cristo followed him, enthusiastically express- 
ing his gratitude; taking from his pocket a huge role 
of bank-billSj he offered it to the Hebrew, but the 
latter firmly refused to accept. 

"I remember the Athenian mob, M. the Count!" 
said he, impressively. 

As they passed the director's office, that official 
came out. 

"Well?" said he to Monte-Cristo. "The Jew has 
failed, of course!" 

" He has succeeded ! " replied the Count, with a 
smile of triumph. 

" You do not mean to tell me that the patient is 
restored to reason!" exclaimed the director. 

"That is exactly what I do mean to tell you!" re- 
torted Monte-Cristo, sharply. 



A MODERN MIRACLE. 



295 



"Humph.! there is some cunning trick about this!" 
cried the official, returning to his office and abruptly 
closing the door behind him. 

The Italian physician resumed charge of the Vis- 
count Massetti, Zuleika and Valentine nursing him by 
turns. In two weeks the young man quitted the 
asylum as fully restored in body as he was in mind. 



296 



DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 



CHAPTEE XXIV. 

A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 

WHEN the Viscount Massetti quitted the insane 
asylum , Monte- Cristo provided quarters for 
him at the Hotel de France where he could be near 
both himself and his daughter. During the period of 
the young Italian's convalescence the Count had re- 
frained from communicating to him the details of the 
foul conspiracy disclosed by Peppino, but no sooner 
was Zuleika's betrothed installed in the hotel than 
he gave him all the startling particulars. Massetti 
was not astonished, for he had long suspected a por- 
tion at least of the truth, but his indignation against 
old Pasquale Solara knew no bounds, and inwardly 
he swore to take speedy and complete vengenance 
upon him though the Count warned him to be ex- 
ceedingly prudent and not to imperil the success of 
his operations in his behalf by any rash proceeding. 
Monte-Cristo did not inform the young Italian of his 
plans, distrusting his natural hotheadedness and im- 
petuosity, but urged him to be content to leave the 
prosecution of the scheme of rehabilitation entirely in 
his hands. The Count had also instructed the Vis- 
count that in consequence of Peppino's revelations he 
had no further objections to his union with Zuleika 
and that the marriage should take place immediately 



A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 



297 



upon the full and open establishment of his inno- 
cence in the eyes of the world. At this the ardent 
young man was delighted to his heart's core; the 
certainty of his approaching happiness and the tender- 
ness the girl exhibited for him compensated in a 
large degree for all his trials and tortures, but at the 
same time he was impatient of the necessary delay 
in restoring him to the possession of an unstained 
name and reputation, thinking that Monte- Cristo was 
much too careful and slow. 

He was now permitted to see Zuleika almost con- 
stantly and their love tete-a-tetes were of the most 
delicious and impassioned description. They passed 
hours together upon the vast upper balcony of the 
hotel in the soft Italian dusk and moonlight even- 
ings, discoursing those sweet and tender nothings so 
precious to lovers and so insipid to matter-of-fact 
people whose days of romantic attachment are over. 
Sometimes, however, their conversation was of a 
more practical character; they spoke of their projects 
for the future — where they should go on their bridal 
tour and what they should do before settling down 
to the calm, peaceful existence of placid matrimonial 
joy. They had decided to take up their permanent 
residence in Paris; thus they would always be near 
Monte-Cristo, Esperance and Mercedes, near Albert de 
Morcerf and his wife, near those friends of friends 
Maximilian and Valentine Morrel ; besides in the gay 
French capital, the city of cities, while enjoying 
themselves to the utmost they could escape all allu- 
sions to Giovanni's past which they could not possi- 



298 



A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 



bly hope for did they settle in Kome, where every 
time the youthful couple appeared in public the old 
scandal, the old charge against the Viscount would 
undoubtedly be freshly and perhaps venomously com- 
mented upon. 

Occasionally, when Zuleika was with her father or 
in company with Mme. Morrel, young Massetti would 
take long walks into the country for the purpose of 
breathing the free air and increasing his strength by 
means of healthful exercise. During these strolls he 
shunned every person he met, it being Monte-Cristo's 
desire that he should studiously avoid observation. 

The news of Massetti's sudden and marvellous cure 
had spread throughout Eome, but people shook their 
heads when they talked of it and agreed with the 
opinion expressed by the director of the insane asylum 
that Dr. Absalom had made use of some trick, the in- 
fluence of which could not be permanent, but would 
soon be dissipated, when the poor, deluded Viscount 
would instantly fall into a worse mental condition than 
before. 

Undoubtedly the Count Massetti heard of his son's 
restoration to sanity and bodily health, but he paid 
no attention whatever to it, continuing proudly and 
haughtily to ignore the fact of Giovanni's existence. 
Monte-Cristo had not called upon the aged and inflexi- 
ble nobleman for two reasons — he feared that his in- 
dignation would get the better of him iri an interview 
and, besides, he knew it would be entirely useless to 
approach the Count without being armed with young 
Massetti's complete vindication. 



A DESPEKATE ENCOUNTER. 



299 



During one of those strolls already alluded to the 
Viscount went much further than usual. It was a 
bright, balmy and cheerful morning, and the sun's 
gladdening radiance, the brilliant green of the trees, 
the fragrant odors from flowers and grass, the chirp- 
ing of insect life and the wild, intoxicating songs of the 
birds all contributed to draw him on and to make him 
forget Monte-Cristo's injunctions as to keeping out of 
the sight of the passers-by. 

He scarcely noticed in what direction he walked or 
what road he took, indulging in a careless, delicious 
daydream full of dolce far niente delights. He had 
fixed his eyes upon the ground and was sauntering 
leisurely along when, all at once, he became conscious 
that some one was approaching. He hastily looked 
up. The pedestrian was yet some distance away, but 
his heavy shoes clattered upon the gravel of the 
highway with a ringing sound. He was evidently an old 
man and a peasant. In his right hand he held a staff 
and his large, broad-brimmed hat was drawn down 
slightly over his visage as if to protect it from the 
heat of the sun. Giovanni was about to step aside 
into a little grove of chestnut trees beside the road there 
to wait until the new comer had passed, but on taking 
a second glance at him something familiar in his 
aspect suddenly arrested him, and by one of those 
inexplicable impulses which sometimes take possession 
of a man he paused and waited. 

The peasant had also noticed Giovanni and his 
action, but he did not relax his pace, did not seem 
inclined to pay even the slightest attention to him. 



300 



A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 



He came tramping on, reached the Viscount and 
passed him without as much as a nod of the head in 
salutation. But Massetti with a start recognized him. 
Wittl a flash of rage on his face and all his blood 
boiling in his veins, he turned* sprang after the old 
man and laid his hand upon his shoulder. The peas- 
ant abruptly halted, also turned, and a fierce impreca- 
tion escaped his lips. He surveyed the irate young 
Italian from head to foot, sneeringly, scowlingly. 

"Why do you stop me?" he said, roughly. "I do 
not know you." 

"Bat, Pasquale Solara, I know you!" exclaimed the 
Viscount. " We have met in good time and in a fit 
place ! The opportunity for which I have long and 
impatiently waited has at length arrived! You shall 
feel the crushing weight of my vengeance! You shall 
answer to me for your despicable, your unnatural 
crimes ! Pasquale Solara, base wretch who sold your 
own daughter to a fate worse than death, ignoble 
scoundrel who did not respect the dictates of hospi- 
tality, I am Giovanni Massetti!" 

As he spoke he leaped in front of the morose 
shepherd, barring his passage with his body. 

" Well, what if you are Giovanni Massetti!" replied 
old Pasquale, coldly and defiantly. "I care not for 
you! Stand out of my path and let me pass before I 
strike you to the earth as I would a mongrel, yelping 
cur!" 

With these words he raised his staff menacingly 
over the young Italian. The latter with the quickness 
and agility of a deer sprang at the staff, grasped it 



A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 



301 



and sent it whirling into tlie chestnut grove. Then 
he caught old Solara by the throat and a terrible 
struggle at once began. The two men closed with 
each other as if in a death-clutch, wrestling like a 
couple of athletes. Massetti had not yet regained his 
full vigor, but his rage lent him strength. On his side, 
Pasquale, though old, had muscles of steel and a grasp 
like iron. He whirled his adversary round and round, 
at times almost overturning him, but the Viscount 
struggled manfully, occasionally wrenching the shep- 
herd from his feet and lifting him bodily in the air. 
The breath of both came forth in hot, quick, labored 
gasps, while their faces were red with exertion. For 
a long while the result was doubtful, the strife contin- 
uing fiercely without any decided advantage on either 
side. Often the Viscount was borne nearly to the 
ground but he invariably recovered, straightened himself 
up and vigorously renewed the conflict. Not a word 
was uttered now. The concentrated energies of the con- 
testants were bent upon the strife, depriving them of the 
power of speech. Finally by a rapid movement Gio- 
vanni succeeded in tripping Solara, who fell with a crash, 
the young Italian coming down upon his prostrate 
body with great , force and for an instant almost check- 
ing his respiration. Both were partially stunned by 
the fall and lay motionless. Massetti was the first to 
regain possession of his faculties. He half arose, 
placed his knees on old Pasquale's breast and, drawing 
a pistol, cocked it. 

"What are you going to do?" gasped the under 
man, his terror giving him the power to speak. 



802 



A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 



" I am going to kill you, Pasquale Solara ! " hissed 
the Viscount, between Ms set teeth. 

^"Murderer!" shrieked the shepherd, desperately, 
making a frantic struggle to rise, but not succeeding. 

This ominous word, with all the terrible weight of 
meaning it conveyed, struck upon the young Italian's 
ear like a sound of doom. A murderer? Yes, he 
would be a murderer, if he slew old Solara then and 
there, and branded with an assassins dark crime he 
must forever resign all hope of possessing his beloved 
Zuleika, must abandon her to die of a broken heart! 
Perhaps, too, he would be seized, tried, condemned 
and meet a felon's fate upon the ignominious scaf- 
fold! True, Eoman justice might be silenced with 
money, but he was a disowned and disinherited son, 
a penniless outcast ! These thoughts brought him to 
a realization of the black depths of the yawning gulf 
into which he was about to plunge and made him 
hesitate. But a quick idea came to his relief — if he 
were to fight a duel with old Solara and kill him 
thus the Eoman law would not pursue him, he would 
not be stamped with a murderer's crime! He w r ould 
do it, he would fight him ! Springing to his feet, he 
drew a second pistol, and, casting it upon the ground 
beside his astonished foe, said to him, speaking slowly 
and impressively: 

" Pasquale Solara, I will give you a chance for 
your life! Eise, take that pistol and face me! "We 
will fight!" 

The shepherd arose with some difficulty; he was 
considerably bruised and had, besides, seriously strained 



A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 



303 



one of his legs. Taking up the weapon, he cocked it 
and without a word, but with a look of demoniac 
ferocity and triumph upon his evil countenance, 
assumed a position about twenty paces distant from 
his opponent. Instantly both raised their pistols and 
fired. When the light smoke cleared away it became 
evident that neither of them had been hit. Old Solara 
cast his empty weapon from him with a curse and, 
producing a pair of long, keen-bladed knives, 
threw one of them towards the Viscount. 

" You challenged me and I accepted ! " he said, in a 
harsh tone. "Now I challenge you! Take that 
knife and fight me ! " 

Massetti hesitated, with a look of horror upon his 
countenance. A duel with knives ! It was barbarous ! 
It was worthy of the red savages of the American 
wilds ! 

"Take the knife, I say!" thundered old Solara. 
"Take it and face me, or by the canopy of heaven 
I will show you less mercy than you have been weak 
enough to show me! I will stab you to the heart 
where you stand!" 

He advanced with his murderous weapon in his 
outstretched hand, having previously rolled "up his 
sleeve and bared his brown, sinewy arm. 

Massetti stooped and took up the knife from where 
it lay. Pie also bared his arm, nervously grasping 
the hilt of the weapon. 

Pasquale Solara's eyes gleamed like those of a tiger 
seen through the darkness of a Hindoostan jungle. 
They had a terrible, a bloodthirsty -gleam. The 



304 



A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 



shepherd now felt sure of his ground. "With a pistol 
he was nothing, with a knife he was a power! Gio- 
vanni could not cope with him; he would fall an easy 
victim to his skill and cunning! 

The Viscount watched the old scoundrel with 
feverish anxiety, fully realizing what was passing- 
through his mind. That Pasquale would vanquish 
him. kill him, he could not doubt, for he knew no 
more about fighting with a knife than an infant in its 
cradle. However, his courage did not desert him, 
and he resolved to sell his life as dearly as possible. 

Seeing Giovanni take the knife and prepare for the 
combat, Solara bent partially forward and rushed 
upon him. The long, keen blades met with a flash 
of fire. The young Italian confined himself to acting 
upon the defensive, the utmost activity and watchful- 
ness being required on his part to parry and ward off his 
opponent's skilful and incessant thrusts.. The shepherd 
fought with the bewildering rapidity of the lightning's 
flash and seemed to be in a thousand different places 
at once so swiftly did he advance, retreat and spring 
aside. His excitement made him forget his hurts. 

At length Massetti's arm became so strained and 
fatigued that it was impossible for him to hold out 
much longer. His hand was tightly clutched about 
the haft of his knife, but it was so benumbed that he 
could not feel the weapon. Still with the energy and 
resolution of despair he continued the unequal conflict, 
hoping against hope that some unexpected turn of af- 
fairs might give him the advantage. 

Meanwhile old Solara, fiendishly confident, was steadily 



A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. 



305 



and surely closing upon Mm, narrowing the limit of 
his retreat after each blow. Finally he retreated no 
more, but began pressing his adversary backwards to- 
wards the chestnut grove, the while delivering blow 
after blow. Then he suddenly gave his wrist a dex- 
trous twirl and Giovanni's knife was torn from his 
grasp, falling about ten feet away. Instantly the young 
man was forced to the ground and old Pasquale stood 
over him with his legs wide apart, firmly planted to 
give the death-dealing thrust. As Massetti lay his 
eye caught the glimmer of his own knife beyond the 
shepherd and slipping like a serpent between Solara's 
legs he seized it, sprang to his feet and, before Pas- 
quale could recover from his surprise at this un- 
looked-for manoeuvre, buried the glittering blade in 
his breast. Solara reeled and fell upon the grass, 
where he lay bathed in blood. 

"You have escaped me, Viscount Massetti!" he 
groaned. 

Young Massetti could scarcely realize what had 
happened, what he had done, so miraculous did the 
result of this strange duel appear to his bewildered 
mind. 

As he, stood like one in a dream he heard a sound 
as of many feet. Hastily dashing into the chestnut 
grove, he looked back and saw old Solara surrounded 
by a group of Luigi Vampa's men. 
19 



306 



A VISIT TO THE KEFUGE. 



CHAPTEE XXV. 

A VISIT TO THE REFUGE. 

AMONG the details of the Count of Monte- Cristo's 
plan for the rehabilitation of Giovanni Massetti 
was a visit to Annunziata Solara at the Kefuge in 
Civita Vecchia. This visit he 'made one morning 
in company with Zuleika and M. and Mme. Morrel. 
Madame de Eancogne was delighted to see the Count 
and cordially welcomed him and his party. 

"So this handsome young lady is your daughter, 
Edmond," she said, seating herself beside Zuleika and 
taking her hand. " How rapidly time flies. To-day 
we are in the midst of the enjoyment of youth and 
to-morrow we are the middle-aged people of our locality. 
Then in another brief space we are the aged, after 
which comes death!" 

Zuleika blushed at Helena's compliment »to her- 
self and looked at her curiouslv while she delivered 
the closing part of her speech. But the Countess of 
Monte-Cristo of the past was not of a sombre nature, 
and, smiling, she added : 

"The most dazzling and enchanting side to the pic- 
ture of youth is love ! Has Zuleika, Count, ever ex- 
perienced the tender passion? It will be exceedingly 
strange if she has not." 

Monte- Cristo's daughter blushed again. 



A VISIT TO THE REFUGE. 



307 



The Count smiled as lie replied: 

" Yes, Helena, Zuleika has experienced the crowning 
passion of life. She is betrothed to the Viscount Gio- 
vanni Massetti of Eome." 

" What ! " exclaimed Mme. de Eancogne, stricken 
with amazement and horror. " That Giovanni Mas- 
setti who has been disowned and disinherited by his 
father for the commission of one of the vilest and 
most dishonorable crimes known to the world?" 

"The same!" answered Monte-Cristo, calmly. 

Mme. de Eancogne was now more astounded than 
ever. 

"You know this man's record and yet you allow 
him to win your daughter! Count, this is not like 
you ! I cannot understand it !." 

"Helena," returned Monte-Cristo, "this poor young 
man has been maligned, falsely accused by persons 
inimical to him." 

The Superior of the Order of Sisters of Eefuge 
slowly but firmly shook her head, looking the while 
at the Count and his daughter with an expression of 
deep sympathy and compassion upon her noble counte- 
nance. 

"You have been deceived, imposed upon, Edmond," 
she rejoined. "There can be no doubt whatever as 
to the young man's terrible and damning guilt. Be- 
sides, my assertion admits of immediate verification 
and proof. Massetti's unfortunate victim, the beauti- 
ful peasant girl Annunziata Solara, is now an inmate 
of this institution whither she dragged herself when 
overcome by shame and suffering of the keenest des- 



308 



A VISIT TO THE REFUGE. 



cription, seeking to find here an asylum and a clois- 
ter where prying eyes could not find her out and 
where the venomous tongue of scandal could not tear 
open her wounds and set them to bleeding afresh. 
She is a member of our Order, has devoted the rest 
of her days to the ' achievement of good actions and 
the raising up of the fallen and betrayed of her sex. 
Annunziata Solara is here, almost within sound of my 
voice, and will, though with reluctance I am convin- 
ced, confirm every word I have uttered relative to 
her cowardly and villainous abductor!" 

"To hold an interview with this unfortunate crea- 
ture is what has brought me here with Zuleika and 
, my friends the Morrels," said the Count. " Of course, 
I wished to see you, Helena, and enjoy once again 
the pleasure of your society," he added, his agreeable 
smile accompanying his words. 

The Superior bowed gracefully and arose. 

"I can understand then your anxiety to see and 
speak with Annunziata at the earliest possible mo- 
ment. Therefore, I will immediately summon her to 
this apartment where the desired interview can take 
place without delay." 

As she uttered these words Mme. de Eancogne 
hastened from the salon, shortly afterwards returning 
with the former flower-girl of the Piazza del Popolo 
in Eome. 

Annunziata stood for an instant in the centre of 
the apartment, gazing inquiringly at the visitors, for 
Mme. de Eancogne had not informed her of their 
business, preferring that Monte-Cristo in his wisdom 



A VISIT TO THE REFUGE. 



309 



and experience should conduct the interview and de- 
velop his wishes in his own peculiar fashion. 

The Count and Maximilian gazed at old Pasquale 
Solara's daughter with considerable interest, but it 
was an interest altogether masculine. Valentine also 
looked at her attentively, with that searching, pene- 
trating look one woman invariably casts upon 
another. As for Zuleika, her eyes literally devoured 
the peasant girl, flashing with what was not exactly 
hatred for a rival but rather an instinctive fear and 
distrust. She was well aware that Giovanni had 
flirted with this girl, had been enthralled by her 
physical charms, had almost yielded to her sway, and 
she felt a peculiar interest in the creature who had 
temporarily at least stolen the heart of her lover from 
her. 

Annunziata had been greatly benefited by her sojourn 
in the calm and quiet Eefuge. She had by a great 
and heroic exercise of her strength of. mind put 
aside from her all thoughts of her lamentable history, 
of her suddenly clouded and terrible past. She had 
thoroughly abandoned herself to the discipline and 
duties of the Sisters of the Order of Eefuge, and had 
sought with more or less success even to forget her- 
self. Her unruffled life, passed in the continual doing 
of good, filled her with peacefulness and satisfaction, 
and for the first time in a long while she fully 
realized what it was to be perfectly contented and 
happy. In consequence her physical condition had 
improved, promptly responding to her mental ease. 
She had recovered the beauty she had lost during 



310 



A VISIT TO * THE KEFUGE. 



her confinement in the bandits' hut and her subse- 
quent wanderings as a homeless, starving outcast. 
Her plumpness had also returned, and her glance had 
all the brightness and gayety that had formerly dis- 
tinguished it. Still a general refinement had taken 
possession of her, and Annunziata was no longer the 
child of nature she had been when she lived in the 
romantic cabin in the forest. 

Madame de Eancogne was the first to speak. 

" Sister Annunziata," she said, " here are his Excel- 
lency the Count of Monte- Cristo, Zuleika his daughter, 
and M. and Mme. Morrel. Allow me to make you ac- 
quainted with them and to assure you that they are 
true friends of mine, firmly to be relied on. They wish to 
interrogate you in regard to a certain matter. You 
can answer their questions without fear and without 
the slightest hesitation. The Count of Monte-Cristo 
is the very soul of chivalry and honor ! " 

The Count bowed in acknowledgment of this well- 
turned speech and, addressing Annunziata, who, not- 
withstanding Mme. de Kancogne's assurances, began to 
tremble and feel distressed, said: 

"Sister Annunziata, I wish to ask you certain im- 
portant questions as your Superior has told you. I 
am pursuing an investigation that promises to be 
fruitful in the very best results of the highest possible 
good. Sister Annunziata, I wish your aid in clearing 
the record of an innocent man, one who has suffered 
as greatly as you have and for whom you can, there- 
fore, feel pity and sympathy. I allude to the Vis- 
count Giovanni Massetti." 



A YISIT TO THE BEFUGE. 



311 



I The girl gave a sudden start and turned ghastly pale. 

" The Yiscount Giovanni Massetti ? " repeated she, 
interrogatively, half doubting whether she could have 
heard the name aright. 

"Yes," said Monte-Cristo, "the Yiscount Giovanni 
Massetti, who has been falsely accused of having ab- 
ducted you I" 

" Falsely accused ! 77 cried Annunziata. " Why, Signor 
Count of Monte-Cristo, the wretched young man is 
guilty of everything with which he has been charged, 
whether the charges were made by persons inimical 
to him or not ! 7 7 

The visitors were still closely watching the peasant 
girl. They had expected she would say exactly 
what she had said and, therefore, were not in the 
slightest degree astonished or disconcerted. Her 
earnestness and the circumstance that she certainly 
ought to know the identity of her abductor were 
well-calculated to inspire confidence in her statements 
and to induce a belief in the guilt of the young Vis- 
count Massetti. 

Monte-Cristo answered Annunziata firmly but con- 
siderately. 

"Sister,' 7 he said, "notwithstanding your belief that 
Massetti was your abductor, I know the contrary to 
be true and have in my possession indubitable proof 
of what I assert! 77 * 

Annunziata shook her head. 

"The proof must, indeed, be conclusive that would 
shake my belief! 77 she said, with a slight trace of 
bitterness in her tone. 



312 



A VISIT TO THE REFUGE. 



"It is conclusive !" 

"But if young Massetti is innocent of my abduc- 
tion and of my poor brother's murder, who then, in 
Heaven's name, is the guilty party?" 

"Luigi Yampa!" 

"Luigi Yampa?" 

"Yes. He forced bis way into your cabin on that 
eventful night, abducted you and afterwards shot your 
brother Lorenzo in the forest." 

"You say you have indubitable proof of this. 
How was it obtained?" 

"From a man named Peppino, who overheard all 
the details of the nefarious bargain and conspiracy 
entered into by the brigand chief and old Pasquale 
Solara." 

"Pasquale Solara? My father! Oh! Signor Count, 
what do you mean?" 

"Be calm, my child, and listen to me. Your father 
despicably sold you to Luigi Yampa for a large sum 
of money and they together so arranged the abduction 
that all suspicion would fall with crushing force upon 
the shoulders of the young Italian!" 

Annunziata put her hand to her forehead and stood 
still, rooted to the spot by horror and amazement. 
She had no great love for her moody and morose 
father, who never had done anything calculated to in- 
spire affection for him in the bosom of his daughter, 
but, at the same time, it seemed incredible and hor- 
rible to her that her parent should have been guilty 
of this unnatural behavior towards her, of this un- 
manlv conduct with regard to an innocent guest who 



A VISIT TO THE REFUGE. 



313 



in all confidence was partaking of the hospitality his 
roof afforded. She looked at Monte-Cristo doubtingly 
and then at Mme. de Kancogne, who was smiling 
upon her encouragingly. 

"As God is my judge/' said she, solemnly, "I 
believe Giovanni Massetti to have been my abductor!" 

" Of course," returned Monte-Cristo, u but you are 
in error! " 

"I saw his face! Surely I ought to have been able 
to recognize that!" 

" Certainly ; but, I tell you, everything was so 
arranged as to deceive you into believing the young 
Italian the criminal, the despicable wretch who had 
failed to respect a woman's honor!" 

"It may be as you assert, but I cannot rid myself 
of my firm and deep-rooted belief in the matter. I 
have forgiven the Yiscount Massetti for the foul 
wrong he did me, but to the latest day of my earthly 
existence I shall believe him guilty!" 

Suddenly fixing her eyes upon Zuleika with a gaze 
of bewildering intensity, Annunziata stood as if 
anxious to speak to her of some very important topic. 

Monte-Cristo's daughter divined this, and, going to 
the former flower-girl, said to her: 

"Is there anything I can do for you, Sister Annun- 
ziata? If so you have only to ask it!" 

Annunziata laid her hand upon Zuleika's shoulder, 
asking, in a tone that notwithstanding all her efforts 
to control it was not a little unsteady and tremulous: 

"Do you love him? — do you love the Viscount 
Massetti? " 



314 



A VISIT TO THE REFUGE. 



" Yes," answered Zuleika, lowering her eyes beneath 
the intensity of the other's look. 

" So I thought, but oh ! daughter of a noble family, 
beware of the perfidious young man! He will not 
hesitate to deceive you as he deceived me! Then he 
will leave you to your fate as he left me to mine, 
and life-long sorrow and misery will be your por- 
tion!" 

Zuleika gazed pityingly at the peasant girl. 
"You loved him once, did you not?" she asked. 1 
"Perhaps I did, perhaps I did not!" replied 
Annunziata. "I do not know! Certainly my heart 
spoke for him, but that may have been only friendly 
esteem! However, after the abduction and the horri- 
ble and disgraceful events that followed it, I grew 
to hate him with the bitterest description of hate! 
I have told you that I have forgiven him and it was 
the truth. I have forgiven and am endeavoring to 
forget him ! " 

There was a suspicious glitter in the girl's eyes as 
she spoke, something that hinted of the presence of 
tears, but the glitter passed away and, turning to 
Mme. de Eancogne, she said: 

"Are your guests through with questioning me, 
Madame the Superior?" 

Mme. de Eancogne glanced inquiringly at Monte- 
Cristo, who nodded his head affirmatively. 

"The interview is concluded," replied Helena, "and 
now, if you so desire, you can return to your apart- 
ment." 

Annunziata, more affected and agitated by what she 



A VISIT TO THE KEFUGE. 315 

had just passed through than she cared to admit, 
bowed to the visitors and the Superior and hastily 
quitted the salon. 

" Poor girl ! she remains perfectly unconvinced ! " 
said Monte- Cristo, after her departure. 

"And she is right! 77 rejoined Mme. de Eancogne, 
warmly. "I have heard all the details of her story 
and the chain of evidence against the Viscount Giovanni 
Massetti is altogether complete. . To doubt his guilt 
would be sheer idiocy ! " 

After a sojourn of a few hours longer at the Eefuge, 
Monte-Cristo and his party returned to Home to go 
actively to work in Massetti's cause. 



816 



VAMPA AND MONTE-CKISTO, 



CHAPTEE XXVI. 

VAMPA AND MONTE-CKISTO. 

AFTEE his fearful and exhausting duel with old 
Pasquale Solara in which lie had been so 
nearly vanquished and so signally favored by Fate, 
the Yiscount Massetti dragged himself rather than ran 
through the chestnut grove by the roadside, pausing 
now and then to glance back through the trees and 
note what was taking place among Vampa's bandits. 
His wounded antagonist was evidently unconscious, 
for the brigands were bending over him, some of them 
seeming to be engaged in endeavors to restore him to 
his senses. Another circumstance tending to confirm 
this supposition was the absence of pursuit, for had 
the shepherd been able to give even the most frag- 
mentary information relative to the encounter, Vampa's 
men would have immediately devoted their attention 
to a search for his successful assailant, and in Giovanni's 
present condition of exhaustion his capture could not 
have been doubtful. 

The young Italian did not waste a moment, but 
made his way towards Eome as rapidly as he was 
able, though his progress was necessarily toilsome and 
painful in the extreme. Having at length reached 
the bank of a small brook at a safe distance from 
the scene of the conflict, he washed the dust and 



VAMP A AND MONTE-CRISTO. 



317 



sweat from his face, and held his benumbed hand in 
the cool, limpid water until the blood resumed its 
normal circulation. Then he arranged his torn and 
disordered garments so as not to attract too much at- 
tention from the curious pedestrians he would be sure 
to meet on the outskirts of the city, resuming his 
journey strengthened and refreshed. Contrary to his 
expectations he eventually gained the Hotel de France 
without exciting any special observation or comment. 
Once in his own apartment he carefully locked the 
door and, casting himself upon his bed, breathed 
freely for the first time since old Solara had fallen by 
his hand. 

His thoughts, however, were not altogether of a 
reassuring nature. He had taken an Italian's ven- 
geance upon the despicable old Pasquale Solara, who 
certainly merited all he had received, but how would 
Monte-Cristo look at the affair when he learned of it 
as he most assuredly would when he began his cam- 
paign against Yampa, if not before? Undoubtedly 
with strong disapprobation and displeasure. The Count 
had cautioned him to keep out of sight, to restrain 
his impetuosity, and he had done neither. On the 
contrary he had shown himself to the shepherd, 
declared his identity and assumed the responsibility 
of dealing with him, though, to be sure, he had 
given him a chance to defend himself. If Solara 
was dead, if he had expired without making any 
revelation, his secret was secure and even Monte- 
Cristo could not unearth it, but would not the death 
of old Pasquale deprive the Count of a most import- 



318 



VAMPA AND M0NTE-CRIST0. 



ant witness, a most important factor in his rehabilita- 
tion? Perhaps so, perhaps not, for it was "by no 
means certain that Monte- Cristo could force Solara to 
confess and make at least partial and tardy amends 
for his atrocious misdeeds. It was highly probable 
that Annunziata's wretched father, even if brought to 
bay, would persist in preserving a stony and unbroken 
silence, would make no admissions whatever. Taking 
this view of the matter the Viscount felt relieved 
and, composing himself on his couch, yielded to the 
influence of extreme fatigue and fell asleep. His 
slumber was profound and dreamless. Exactly how 
long he slept he knew not, but meanwhile an event 
as unexpected as it was portentous occurred almost 
within earshot of where he lay, an event brought 
about by his rash and inconsiderate action of that 
morning. 

Monte-Cristo's salon was opposite to Massetti's 
chamber, a wide corridor separating the two apart- 
ments. It was late in the afternoon and the Count, 
seated at his desk, was pondering over his plans in 
relation to the Yiscount. Matters had not progressed 
as swiftly as he had hoped. Besides, much further 
delay seemed inevitable. Maximilian, of course, could 
do nothing, for the present at least, and Valentine's 
ability to be of use was limited to encouraging Zu- 
leika and exercising a proper degree of surveillance 
over the lovers when such surveillance was possible. 
Peppino and Beppo, too, were comparatively useless, 
though by careful and well-directed inquiries they 
had ascertained that Luigi Vampa and his band had 



VAMPA AND MOOTE-CKISTO. 319 

changed their quarters from the old rendezvous, loca- 
ting in a fastness that could not be approached with- 
out great difficulty and danger. None of the brigands 
now visited Eome and even Vampa himself seemed 
distrustful of the future. According to the intelligence 
gathered by Peppino and Beppo he constantly went 
about in various disguises that defied detection, studi- 
ously avoiding all his accustomed haunts. With re- 
gard to the brigand chiefs actions Monte-Cristo could 
entertain but one of two opinions— either he was filled 
with remorse for his shameful conduct towards poor 
Annunziata Solara and for his complicity with old 
Pasquale in bringing the innocent Viscount under sus- 
picion, which was doubtful, or he was afraid that Eo- 
man justice stimulated by young Massetti and such 
friends as he still possessed would overtake him, which 
was the more probable. The Count had not hoped 
for much from Annunziata Solara, though he had cal- 
culated somewhat on the effect upon her of his assu- 
rance that he possessed conclusive proof of Giovanni's 
innocence. His recent interview with the girl, how- 
ever, had established the fact that she firmly believed 
the Viscount guilty, and it was fair to presume that 
she would retain her belief in the face of everything 
with all the proverbial obstinacy of woman. Besides, 
after all, what was his conclusive proof? Simply the 
unsupported asssertions of a former member of 
Vampa's band, who in making them had clearly been 
actuated by a desire of wreaking personal vengeance 
upon old Pasquale Solara! 

The Count was not a little discouraged, but his 



320 



VAMPA AND MONTE-CRISTO. 



own conviction of the truth of Peppino's statement 
was as strong as ever and, notwithstanding all the ap- 
parently insurmountable obstacles, he did not doubt 
that he would eventually find some way to force 
Vampa and the shepherd into a full confirmation of 
every diabolical detail related by the ex-bandit in the 
cell of the police poste in Paris. 

As he sat thus communing with his sombre thoughts 
and reflecting that the delay might stretch out into 
many months, a knock was heard at his door and 
in response to his permission Peppino entered the 
salon. 

A glance at the man's pale and agitated counte- 
nance was sufficient to tell Monte- Cristo that some- 
thing unusual had happened. 

"Well," said he, gazing keenly at him, "what is it? " 

The man looked hastily about the apartment and, 
having satisfied himself that his master was alone, 
came close to him, bending down and whispering in 
his ear: 

"Signor Count, a strange visitor is below, asking to 
see you. He is garbed like a Eoman noble and his 
face is made up with paints and cosmetics like that 
of an actor on the stage of a theatre. Still, I think 
I have pierced his disguise and that he is no less a 
personage than Luigi Vampa himself ! " 

"Ah!" said the Count, rising, with a smile of satis- 
faction. " Heaven grant that you are correct ! If 
Vampa is here, his visit will simplify matters." 

"But you do not mean to see the brigand chief, do 
you, Signor Count?" said Peppino, in a startled tone. 



VAMPA AND MONTE-CRISTO. 



321 



" Why, pray, should I not see him when for so 
long I have been impatiently awaiting an opportunity 
to meet him?" asked Monte-Cristo, in amazement. 

"Because," answered the Italian, with an unmistaka- 
ble 'display of fear, " he may have divined your mis- 
sion to Eome and his business with you here to-day 
may be assassination!" 

Monte Cristo laughed heartily. 

" My good fellow," said he, in a reassuring tone, 
"dismiss your childish terrors. Yampa will not dare 
even to attempt to harm me! Show the myste- 
rious visitor up and let the problem of his idenity be 
solved!" 

"I know your power over Vampa, Signor Count," 
returned Peppino, hesitating, " but still in this peculiar 
instance it may fail you!" 

u Pshaw ! " said the Count, impatiently. " I tell 
you I do not fear Vampa. Show him up at once." 

Peppino very reluctantly quitted the salon, soon 
returning with the suspicious visitor. 

Monte-Cristo advanced to meet the new comer, who 
silently pointed to Peppino, motioning towards the 
door. The Count nodded to the ex-bandit and with 
a slow step he left the room. 

Although Vampa was carefully disguised and even 
elegantly dressed in the fashionable attire of the Roman 
aristocracy, Monte-Cristo, like Peppino, had no diffi- 
culty whatever in recognizing him. 

" Well, Luigi Vampa ! " said he, facing his visitor 
and calmly folding his arms as soon as they wer§ 
alone. " What do you want with me ? " 
20 



322 



VAMPA AND MONTE-CRISTO. 



The brigand chief did not seem either disconcerted 
or surprised even in the slightest degree. He boldly 
returned his host's gaze and said: 

" I knew you would recognize me at once, for I am 
well aware of your extraordinary keenness and pen- 
etration, Signor Count, but, to confess the truth, my 
disguise was not intended to deceive you; its sole 
object was to secure me safe entrance to and exit 
from Eome which of late has become dangerous for 
men in my line of industry I " 

The Count smiled in his peculiar way. 

" What do you want with me, Luigi Vampa ? " he 
repeated. " Your errand must be of vast importance 
since you have taken so much trouble to execute it!" 

"It is of vast importance, Signor Count. This 
morning one of the most efficient members of my 
band, old Pasquale Solara, was attacked and severely 
wounded by your protege the Viscount Giovanni 
Massetti ! " 

"Old Solara attacked and severely wounded by the 
Viscount Massetti? Impossible!" 

The Count was greatly disconcerted by this intelli- 
gence; he could not conceal his chagrin. The Vis- 
count's rashness and impetuosity would ruin all ! 

"What I say is true," continued Vampa, "and I 
have come to you to protest. You must restrain this 
Viscount Massetti, this reckless madman! He pro- 
fesses to have a grudge against Pasquale Solara and 
there is no telling to what length he may go if you 
do not control him. Had Pasquale been able to speak 
when discovered lying bathed in blood upon the 



VAMPA AND MONTE-CRISTO. 



323 



highway by some of the members of my band, young 
Massetti would have been pursued, captured and made 
to pay for his murderous assault with his life; but it 
was only later, when brought into my presence, that he 
became sufficiently conscious to relate what had hap- 
pened. Signor Count, I wish to respect your friends, 
but they on their part must respect me and my 
band!" 

"Luigi Vampa," replied Monte-Cristo, sternly, u you 
say that young Massetti has a grudge against old 
Pasquale Solara! What you seek to belittle with 
the name of grudge is simply just indignation for an 
outrage such as human beings rarely commit! This 
you know! — you to whom Solara basely sold his 
daughter! — you who plotted with the aged scoundrel 
that the charge of abduction and murder might fail 
upon the Viscount's innocent shoulders when you, 
Luigi Vampa, were the guilty man!" 

The brigand chief started and grew pale beneath 
the paint and cosmetics with which his visage was 
thickly coated. 

" You have been deceived, Signor Count ! " he stam- 
mered, taken at a . disadvantage, but nevertheless 
speaking guardedly and endeavoring to put on a bold 
front. "The girl herself, Annunziata Solara, will 
swear to you that the Viscount Giovanni Massetti 
was her abductor and the author of her ruin!" 

"Yes," replied Monte-Cristo, bitterly, "she will and 
does say so, for she has been completely blinded by 
the cunning, fiendish stratagems you resorted to, 
aided and abetted by that infamous miscreant old 



324 



VAMP A AND MONTE-CRISTO. 



Pasquale Solara, for whom a lingering death upon 
the rack of the ancient Spanish Inquisition would 
not be a sufficient punishment!" 

"You speak very confidently, Signor Count," said 
Vampa, resuming his cool self-possession. "Pray tell 
me how you are going to prove all this?" 

"I should be foolish, indeed, did I do so," replied 
Monte-Cristo, seeing the brigand chiefs trap and 
adroitly avoiding being caught in it. " However, suf- 
fice it to say that I can and will make good all I 
have asserted! Even Annunziata Solara herself 
shall be thoroughly convinced!" 

"Signor Count," said Vampa, pleadingly, "we have 
long been good friends, have long understood each other 
perfectly. Do not let the idle tales designing persons 
have poured into your ears destroy that friendship 
and that understanding ! " 

"I have heard no idle tales from designing persons," 
retorted the Count. w What I have heard was a plain 
and simple statement of the truth. I know how old 
Solara summoned you with his signal whistle, how 
you bargained with him for his beautiful daughter 
and how you finally bought her of him! I know 
how you abducted the girl while her infamous father 
waited outside the cabin with a torch, how you bore 
her away in your arms through the forest, murdering 
her brother and in turn encountering my son Esp^r- 
ance and the Viscount Massetti. I know how you 
carried her to the hut you had prepared, how you 
kept her a close prisoner there guarded by members 
of your band until your shameful object was accom- 



VAMPA AND MONTE-CRISTO. 



325 



plished! I know how you wrote that letter signed 
Tonio which was intended to influence Annunziata's 
belief in the Viscount's guilt, and I know how old 
Solara secreted it where his daughter afterwards found 
and read it! Now, Luigi Vampa, are you satisfied? 
You said a moment ago that we have long under- 
stood each other. I hope there will be no mis- 
understanding on your part when I tell you that I 
mean to force both you and old Solara to confess your 
crimes and make reparation for them as far as 
possible ! " 

"Then you declare war against us?" cried the bri- 
gand chief. 

"I do!" answered Monte-Cristo, coldly. 

"Then in my own name and in that of Pasquale 
Solara, I defy you, Edmond Dant&s, Count of Monte- 
Cristo !" 

He backed towards the door as if afraid the Count 
would attack him. When he reached it, he turned, 
flung it open and stepped into the corridor, instantly 
finding himself in * the grasp of Peppino and Beppo, 
who at once handed him over to a squad of police- 
men, the officer in charge of whom said : 

"I arrest you, Luigi Vampa! Follow me!" 



326 



THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 



CHAPTEE XXVII. 

THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 




ONTE-CKISTO was astounded when lie saw 
Luigi Vampa arrested by the Eoman police- 



man and his squad; his first thought was that Pep- 
pino, unwilling to let slip so fair an opportunity to 
obtain vengeance, had betrayed the brigand chief to 
the authorities ; this idea was apparently confirmed by 
the part the two ex-bandits had taken in their 
former leader's capture; hence after the officers and 
their prisoner had departed, he turned fiercely upon 
Peppino and said, in a tone of anger: 

"This is fine work for one of my servants to do, 
especially one so trusted as you!" 

"Signor Count," answered Peppino, humbly, "you 
are mistaken. I had no hand in it whatever save 
obeying the order of the officer in command of the 
police." 

"Indeed!" cried the Count, incredulously. 

"Yes," continued Peppino, in the same humble 
voice, "and Beppo here is equally innocent. The 
officer tracked Vampa to the hotel and was informed 
that I had conducted him into your presence. He 
thereupon sent for me, directing me without further 
ado to take Beppo, who chanced to be in my com- 
pany, and seize the chief, who was personally unknown 



THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 



327 



to him, the instant he quitted your salon. I trust 
your Excellency will pardon us, as we could do nothing 
but obey." 

"In that case," said Monte-Cristo, "no blame 
attaches to either of you, but, nevertheless, Vampa's 
arrest at this critical juncture will seriously interfere 
with my projected operations." 

The police had conducted matters very quietly; 
still, the tramp of many feet in the corridor had 
awakened the Viscount and filled him with terror. 
Knowing the unparalleled audacity of the bandits, he 
at once jumped to the conclusion that a body of 
them had entered Eome and taken possession of the 
Hotel de France with the object of seizing upon him 
as the murderer of old Pasquale Solara, who, he did 
not doubt, was dead. When the tramping feet, which 
the Count and Vampa were too much engrossed to 
hear, paused in front of his very door he became 
fixed in this conclusion and sprang from his bed in 
wild alarm. He looked hastily around him for some 
avenue of escape, but there was none. If the brigands 
were without he was trapped and would speedily be 
in their hands. He listened with the utmost anxiety, 
expecting every instant that his door would be forced 
and his relentless foes come thronging into the cham- 
ber. No such movement, however, was made. A 
deathlike silence prevailed. What was the meaning 
of all this? What was taking place or about to 
occur? If the men in the corridor were not Luigi 
Vampa's bandits, who were they? The Viscount lost 
himself in a bewildering maze of conjectures. Make 



328 



THE BANDITS' KEPKISALS. 



a personal examination and satisfy himself he dare 
not. In the midst of his conjectures he heard a door 
open directly across the corridor and knew it was 
Monte- Cristo's. Then a voice of stern command 
broke the silence, but what was uttered he could not 
distinguish, though he fancied he made out the omi- 
nous word " arrest," which was almost immediately 
succeeded by a renewal of the tramping of feet. This 
sound speedily died away and silence again prevailed. 
Young Massetti was more perplexed than ever. He 
could make nothing out of the knotty problem pre- 
sented to him for solution. Suddenly a thought 
struck him that brought beads of cold perspiration 
out upon his forehead. Monte-Cristo had been 
arrested and carried off to a Eoman prison! Then he 
heard the Count's well-known voice angrily addressing 
some one and this alarming thought vanished as 
quickly as it had come to him. The party arrested, 
if an arrest had been made, was, therefore, not Monte- 
Cristo but some one else, some one who had come 
from the Count's salon. Who could it possibly be ? 
Maximilian Morrel? No, the idea was absurd, for 
what had the young Frenchman done to provoke 
arrest ? Finally, unable longer to endure the uncer- 
tainty and suspense, the Viscount cautiously opened 
his door and glanced out into the corridor. His eyes 
rested upon Monte-Cristo, Peppino and Beppo. The 
former saw him and at once came to him. 

" What has happened ? " demanded Massetti, eagerly. 

" Luigi Vampa was here and has been taken away 
a prisoner by the police," answered the Count. 



THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 



329 



" Luigi Vampa ! " cried the young Italian, in amaze- 
ment. 

"Yes, Luigi Vampa," returned Monte-Cristo, his 
brow clouding. 

"What brought him to the Hotel de France?" 

"He came to complain of you!" 

"Of me?" 

"I have said so." 

"And you caused him to be arrested?" 

" I did not. His arrest was due entirely to his own 
rashness. The police tracked him hither and appre- 
hended him as he quitted my apartment." 

While speaking Monte-Cristo made his way into 
Giovanni's chamber. Closing the door behind him, he 
stood gazing at the Viscount with a gloomy air. 

"Giovanni Massetti," said he, in a slow, measured 
tone, " you have disregarded my injunctions and by 
your impetuosity put all my plans in jeopardy! You 
did wrong, very wrong, in attacking old Pasquale 
Solara this morning ! " 

"I am keenly sensible of it now, after calm reflec- 
tion," answered the Viscount, penitently. "But still 
you must make some allowance for me. I came sud- 
denly upon the shepherd and my indignation and de- 
sire for vengeance so mastered me at the sight of him 
that I could not control myself. Nevertheless I gave 
him a chance for his life. We fought a desperate 
duel and he was wounded, but whether mortally or 
not it is impossible for me to say, as Vampa's men 
made their appearance immediately after his fall, and 
I was forced into precipitate flight." 



330 



THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 



"Should Solara die," said Monte-Cristo, moodily, 
"you will have deprived us of a most important 
witness, for I calculated upon compelling him to 
speak, to disclose every detail of the infamous con- 
spiracy against you. But like you I do not know 
his present condition, as Vampa did not vouchsafe me 
any information upon that head. I can only Lope 
that he is not seriously wounded and will recover." 

"I am singularly unfortunate," said the Viscount, 
humbly. " Everything I do seems to be wrong." 

" Because you are governed by jmpulse alone and 
do not wait for your calmer judgment to come to 
your aid," replied Monte-Cristo. Then he added, firmly: 
"Giovanni Massetti, either you must submit wholly to 
me for the future, be guided entirely by my wishes, 
or I will be compelled to leave you to your fate! I 
need not say that I shall abandon you very reluctantly, 
but abandon you I must unless you cease to trammel 
my efforts in your behalf! " 

The young Italian seized his benefactor's hand con- 
vulsively. 

"Your Excellency," he exclaimed, supplicatingly, "do 
not abandon me, do not leave me to my fate at this 
critical juncture! I will yield you blind and implicit 
submission and obedience! For the future I will do 
nothing, take not even the slightest, most unimpor- 
tant step without your direct authorization or express 
command!" 

"It is well, Giovanni," said the Count, evidently 
much relieved to find his ardent protege so tractable. 
"I will continue the work I have begun and also 



THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 



331 



endeavor to bring it to a speedy and successful con- 
clusion. The arrest of Vampa and the wounding of 
old Solara have complicated matters to a certain ex- 
tent, but a brief time, I trust, will suffice to straighten 
out the complications and tangles, and then the result 
will be happiness for all of us, the richest possible 
reward ! " 

"God grant it!" cried Massetti, fervently. 

"Now," said the Count, "you must not quit the 
Hotel de France even for a moment without my per- 
mission! Do you promise me that?" 

"I not only promise it, I swear it!" exclaimed the 
Viscount, lifting his eyes and his right hand towards 
Heaven. 

" It is well," repeated Monte-Cristo, joyously, and 
turning he left Massetti's chamber. 

It had been planned that the Count should take 
Zuleika out riding the following morning, but a desire 
to know what had become of Luigi Vampa and what 
the authorities proposed to do in his case prevented 
Monte-Cristo from fulfilling his promise to his daughter. 
He, however, determined not to deprive Zuleika of 
the pleasure she anticipated from her drive and, there- 
fore, when the barouche and its spirited horses were 
brought to the hotel door installed Peppino in the 
driver's seat with the faithful Ali to act as an ad- 
ditional guard and protector. 

Zuleika, after bidding her father a tender farewell, 
was assisted by him into the elegant vehicle and Ali 
drove off, managing the prancing and mettlesome steeds 
with all the dash and skill of a veteran Paris coachman. 



332 



THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 



They passed along the Corso, which as usual was 
crowded with splendid equipages and gay promenaders, 
finally making their way to the vast and beautiful 
Piazza del Popolo, which presented even a more ani- 
mated and enlivening scene than the Corso. The 
elegant equipages were there supplemented by superbly 
mounted cavaliers and the various paths were alive 
with handsome girls and their gallants, while inter- 
spersed amid the better classes were gorgeously attired 
peasants of both sexes, some simply idling about, 
others vending small wares and flowers. 

Tiring at length of the ordinary sights of Eome, 
Zuleika directed Ali to drive a short distance into the 
country. He obeyed with considerable reluctance for 
he was well aware of the dangers to be encountered 
in the environs of the city, and Peppino, on his side, 
was also uneasy, though he did not venture to protest 
against what he considered a most censurable caprice 
of his youthful mistress. 

However, they drove along for several miles with- 
out the slightest incident occurring to warrant the fears 
of Ali and Peppino or trouble the serenity of Zuleika. 
The young girl enjoyed the open country, with its 
stately trees, verdure and refreshing odors, immensely, 
and internally congratulated herself on having varied 
her programme by leaving dusty Eome behind her for 
a time. 

Meanwhile Ali, with the habitual fatalism of his 
nation, had resigned himself in advance to whatever 
might happen and drove straight onward with his 
eyes impassibly fixed upon the horses. Not so with 



THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 



333 



Peppino; the wily and well-posted Italian was con- 
stantly on the alert, scanning, every thicket, clump of 
trees or turn of the road with a searching look long 
before they came to it; although nothing suspicious 
had as yet met his gaze, he was not by any means 
either satisfied or reassured. 

Finally they approached a small roadside inn and 
Zuleika, complaining of thirst, directed the barouche 
to be stopped and Peppino to dismount from his seat, 
enter the inn and procure some wine for her. Pep- 
pino made a grimace at this command, but had not 
the courage to explain to Monte-Cristo's daughter that 
in obeying her he ran the risk of encountering some 
of his old comrades who might prove too inquisitive. 
He slowly clambered down from the barouche and 
with an exceedingly rueful countenance made his way 
into the inn. He had not been gone an instant when 
he suddenly reappeared, running towards the barouche 
and uttering loud cries of alarm. Half a dozen rough- 
looking men pursued him and before he could reach 
the vehicle he was caught. Simultaneously another 
party of ruffians issued from the inn, catching the 
horses by the bridle as Ali was about to drive off. 

"Not so fast, my sable friend! " said one of the 
men. "We must make the acquaintance of your 
beautiful young mistress!" 

Zuleika sat speechless, frozen with terror. Ali 
raised his whip to strike the ruffian who had spoken 
so flippantly of Monte-Cristo's daughter, but the indig- 
nant mute was instantly overpowered and dragged to 
the ground. 



334 



THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 



Meanwhile the men who held Peppino in their 
clutches were examining him closely. 

"I would swear," said one of them, "that this is 
our old comrade, Peppino, who ran away from us so 
unceremoniously, taking with him all he could lay 
his hands on!" 

"It is Peppino," put in another. "I know him in 
spite of his stained face and livery! By the Holy 
Virgin!" he added, "I know the livery, too! It's 
Monte- Cristo's ! " 

"Then the barouche and horses are Monte-Cristo's 
also!" said the first speaker. "No doubt, too, that 
young woman there is a member of the Count's 
family. We followed Peppino for a little fun, com- 
rades, but have fallen upon a slice of rare luck! 
Monte-Cristo is responsible for Yampa's arrest yester- 
dav, for the chief was taken as he left his room ! 
Now we can make reprisals!" 

"Excellent!" cried another of the band. "We can 
make reprisals and obtain at least one valuable hos- 
tage for Yampa's safety! Signora," he said to the 
terrified Zuleika, "who are you?" 

The poor girl, commanding her voice as best she 
could, replied, with some dignity: 

"I am Zuleika, daughter of the Count of Monte- 
Cristo! In his name I demand that you instantly 
release us ! '' 

"So!" said the man, turning to his delighted com- 
panions. "His daughter! We can now count on 
Yampa's safety without the shadow of a doubt!" 

The leader of the bandits now came from the inn; 



THE BANDITS' REPRISALS. 



335 



upon being informed of the important capture his men 
had made he rubbed his hands in glee. Turning to 
his lieutenants, he said: 

" Have a guard placed in the barouche beside 
Monte -Cristo's daughter and let another comrade drive 
the equipage to the rendezvous of the band. As for 
the colored driver, let him go back to Rome on foot 
and carry the news to his master with the compli- 
ments of Vampa's men ! " 

"What shall be done with Peppino?" asked one of 
the lieutenants. 

" Hang him to the nearest tree ! " answered the 
leader, but, immediately taking a second thought, he 
added: "No. Keep him! Perhaps Monte-Cristp 
places some value on the scoundrel and it might not 
be bad policy to retain him as an additional hostage ! " 

Peppino who had been listening intently to the 
leader's words heaved a deep sigh of relief. He would 
certainly experience rough treatment, but at least his 
life was safe. He, therefore, submitted to be bound 
without a murmur and even smiled as he was being 
led away. 

The leader's commands regarding Zuleika and the 
equipage were promptly obeyed, and soon Monte- 
Cristo's daughter was a close prisoner in a rocky cell 
of the bandits' subterranean fastness. 

Ali, as soon as set free, started for Rome to give 
the alarm. 



336 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 

WHEN Ali reached the Hotel de France and 
dragged himself to his master's apartment, 
which was not until quite late in the afternoon, his 
condition was truly deplorable. Footsore and ready 
to drop from extreme fatigue, he staggered like a 
drunken man. He was thickly covered with dust and 
profuse perspiration made his dark skin glisten. The 
faithful mute at once threw himself at the Count's 
feet, embracing his knees and in his marvellous pan- 
tomime eloquently entreating pardon. 

Monte- Cristo, who was suffering torment because of 
his beloved daughter's prolonged absence, instantly 
divined that some terrible accident had befallen her 
and grew almost wild with grief and apprehension. 
Raising Ali up, he said to him in a broken, anxious 
voice : 

"Tell me what has occurred without circumlocution 
or delay, and tell me all!" 

The Nubian made a profound salaam in token of 
submission and obedience. Then he proceeded, in his 
own peculiar mode of narrating events with which 
Monte-Cristo was so thoroughly familiar and which 
in this instance he translated only too readily and 
unerringly, to recount the particulars of the fatal 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



337 



drive into the outskirts of the city and of the capture 
of Zuleika, Peppino and the equipage by the brigands. 

Monte-Cristo sat for an instant after he had con- 
cluded like one stupefied, so utterly overwhelmed was 
he by the unexpected and distracting intelligence. 
Then he sprang to his feet and began pacing the room, 
muttering as he walked: 

"So the wretches have seized my daughter and ser- 
vant by way of reprisals and intend to hold them as 
hostages for the safety of Luigi Vampa ! What is to 
be done? Let me think, let me think!" 

He placed his hand to his forehead and accelerated 
his step, passing back and forth with such feverish 
rapidity that even Ali, impassible as he was by nature, 
showed alarm, dreading the effect of all this fearful 
and exhausting excitement upon his adored master to 
save whom from the slightest trouble or grief he 
would have freely and unhesitatingly given his life. 
Monte-Cristo continued to mutter: 

u Vampa is a prisoner, closely confined in a dungeon 
of the Castle of St. Angelo. He is to be tried for 
his many crimes, among which I have caused to be 
included the . abduction of Annunziata Solara and his 
attempt to blacken the fair fame of the Viscount 
Massetti. His conviction and punishment as a bandit 
may be accepted as certain, whatever may be the fate 
of the other counts in the black indictment against 
him, for hosts of those whom he has robbed and mal- 
treated are to testify, and the Roman authorities have 
for some reason suddenly become his deadly, impla- 
cable foes; they will show him no mercy! But the 
21 



338 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



rest of the infamous band f what i& to be done with 
them? Nothing, absolutely nothing, so far as I have 
been able to learn! Why? Possibly because the 
police fear to attack the brigands- in their stronghold! 
But I will change this item of the programme — yes, 
I will change it! I will at once to Cardinal Monti, 
complain that my daughter has been seized by the 
bandits and offer with the aid of Captain Morrel to 
lead a detachment of soldiery against them. Ani- 
mated by Maximilian and myself, the military will 
show courage for once. The result cannot be doubtful. 
We shall capture the whole band, together with their 
famous fastness, and rescue Zuleika. Peppino, too, 
shall be delivered. I will not take Massetti with 
me — no, he is too rash and might imperil the success 
of the undertaking — no, I will not take him, I will 
not even inform him of what I propose doing. The 
Cardinal will scarcely venture to refuse me. Should 
he hesitate, however, I will shame him into consenting, 
I will threaten him with invoking the aid of the 
French minister ! No, he will not refuse me ! Now 
for the trial of my power ! Oh ! Zuleika, my darling 
child, I will save you, I will save you ! " 

Hastily putting on his hat and throwing a light 
cloak about him, the Count of Monte-Cristo departed 
on his mission, a mission certainly altogether charac- 
teristic of the marvellous man. 

Cardinal Monti received him cordially, heard his 
complaint and, after demurring slightly, accepted his 
offer to lead the soldiers against the redoubtable bri- 
gands, agreeing to place two hundred of the Swiss 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



339 



Guard properly officered and equipped at the disposal 
of himself and Captain Morrel. It was decided that 
the expedition should start from the Castle of St. 
Angelo at ten o'clock that night and should be 
guided by a trusty peasant, then in the Cardinal's 
service, who professed to know the exact location of 
the bandits' retreat and the safest route to it. 

These preliminaries satisfactorily settled, Monte- 
Cristo, his heart overflowing with joy, immediately 
returned to the Hotel de France to notify M. Morrel 
and to make his preparations for the coming campaign. 
Upon being informed of Zuleika's seizure by the out- 
laws and of the part her father wished him to take 
in her deliverance, Maximilian instantly consented, only 
too happy to have such a signal opportunity of serv- 
ing his benefactor. Zuleika's misfortune, however, dis- 
tressed him greatly. 

"Does Valentine know of your daughter's capture?" 
he asked of the Count. 

"No," answered Monte-Cristo, "and I must ask you 
not to tell her until after the result of the expedition 
is known. I wish to keep the whole matter a close 
secret lest young Massetti should hear of it and mar 
our plans by his usual hot-headedness. With this 
view I have already instructed Ali, the only person 
save yourself in the Hotel de France who is aware 
of the terrible blow that has fallen upon me, to 
refrain from communicating the intelligence to any 
one. It is better thus, for the brigands undoubtedly 
have spies in Eome at this time and the utmost cau- 
tion is advisable." 



340 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



M. Morrel readily assented to the wisdom of the 
Count's policy of complete silence, and the twain 
separated to quietly prepare for the night's perilous 
and exciting adventure. 

At half-past nine o'clock Monte-Cristo and Maxi- 
milian entered the court-yard of the grim Castle of 
St. Angelo, where the detachment of the Swiss 
Guard was already drawn up under arms await- 
ing orders. The Count wore a half military dress 
and had a sword at his side, while his friend 
was clad in the full uniform of a Captain in the 
Army of France and similarly provided with the regu- 
lation weapon. Both he and Monte-Cristo had a 
couple of pistols in their belts, freshly and carefully 
loaded. 

The Captain of the Swiss Guard received them and 
presented the peasant whom Cardinal Monti had sent 
to act as guide. Then he turned over the command 
of his men to Captain Morrel, who briefly addressed 
them in French, a language with which they were 
well acquainted, informing them that he and his 
Excellency, the Count of Monte-Cristo, relied on 
every man to do his duty in suppressing the banditti 
and rescuing from their rude clutches a beautiful 
young French girl, no other than the Count's own 
daughter. 

At the close of this address the soldiers saluted, 
the only way in which the military regulations per- 
mitted them to respond. 

Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel then had a brief con- 
ference with the peasant guide, who seemed very in- 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



341 



telligent and thoroughly posted as to the bandits and 
their stronghold. The information he gave was in 
every respect satisfactory and it was abundantly plain 
that the man could be implicitly relied upon. 

Everything was now in readiness and, as the hour 
of ten was sounded by the clock of the Castle of St. 
Angelo, the troops headed by Captain Morrel and the 
Count filed out of the court-yard and began their 
march. When the open country was reached the 
guide took up a position a trifle in advance of the 
detachment and led the way. Complete silence was 
maintained and the utmost care taken to muffle the 
tramp of the soldiers' feet. 

After marching until nearly midnight, the guide in 
a low, cautious whisper informed the Count and Max- 
imilian that the bandits' fastness was close at hand. 
A brief halt for rest and recuperation was immediately 
ordered; then the advance was resumed, followed by 
a struggle with the brigands' sentinel, who was seized 
and overpowered before he could give even the slightest 
alarm. 

"Now, men," said Captain Morrel, in a firm, com- 
manding tone, " for a prompt dash and we shall trap 
all the wolves in their subterranean den ! " 

The cave had two entrances. The Count at the 
head of half the troops speedily possessed himself of 
one and Maximilian with the rest of the detachment 
promptly seized the other. 

So far the success of the expedition had been com- 
plete. The outlaws were caged and could not escape, 
but, nevertheless, it was probable that they would 



342 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



make a desperate and bloody resistance. Simulta- 
neously Monte- Cristo and Captain Morrel penetrated 
the gloomy depths with their men and a dozen torches 
quickly lighted illuminated the cavern as if by magic. 
Instantly there arose a chorus of wild shouts uttered 
by the surprised bandits, who, armed to the teeth, 
came thronging from every direction. A fierce hand 
to hand battle ensued, the cavern echoing with the 
rattle of musketry, the reports of pistols and the 
clash of swords. 

As had been anticipated the brigands contended 
desperately and with the utmost fury. They were 
brave, hardy wretches, and though hemmed in on all 
sides evidently hoped to triumph over the invaders 
of their stronghold and drive them out in disorder 
and terror. Their former experience with the Swiss 
Guard and the police warranted them in entertaining 
this hope, but on the present occasion they reckoned 
without their host, for the soldiers had never before 
had such intrepid, determined and able leaders. 

The battle lasted for over an hour and it was not 
until many had been killed and wounded on both sides 
that the outlaws began to show signs of wavering. 
Monte-Cristo and Captain Morrel performed prodigies 
of valor, animating and encouraging their troops both 
by word and example. Finally the outlaws were 
completely subdued, such of them as had not been 
slain having been made prisoners. The Count escaped 
without a scratch, but Maximilian was slightly wounded 
in the left hand. 

When the firing and the clash of swords had 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



34S 



ceased, Captain Morrel gave the order to search the 
cave for Zuleika and Peppino, first placing sentinels 
at the entrances to guard against surprise and prevent 
the escape of any of the bandits who amid the con- 
fusion might slip from their captors. 

"Where are the cells?" asked Monte-Cristo of the 
peasant guide, who had manfully borne his part in 
the struggle. 

" Follow me," answered the man. " I will take 
you to them." 

Monte-Cristo now that the excitement of the fray 
had left him was filled with anxiety for his daughter. 
What had happened to her since she had been a cap- 
tive in the bandits' den? Had her honor been re- 
spected as well as her life? His suspense was the 
most terrible torture possible to conceive. He could 
scarcely restrain himself until he should learn the 
truth, be it fatal or favorable. Maximilian was 
almost equally agitated, but managed to maintain a 
comparatively calm exterior that he might the better 
support and cheer his friend in this his hour of bitter 
need. 

The peasant, holding a torch above his head, con- 
ducted them into a dark, damp corridor, several sol- 
diers following in charge of a lieutenant. The party 
had not gone many steps when a man's cries became 
audible, proceeding from a cell near at hand. The 
door of this cell was fastened only by a bar of iron, 
to remove which required but an instant, when it was 
discovered that the cries came from Peppino, who 
having heard the noise of the conflict and concluded 



344 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



that relief was near had at once commenced to shout 
that he might disclose his whereabouts to the in- 
vaders. The ex-bandit was set at liberty and the 
search was continued. 

Presently a low moan struck the Count's attentive 
ear. 

"What was that?" he asked, with a start. 

"A moan that was no doubt uttered by your 
daughter ! " answered the guide. 

"My daughter!" cried the Count. "Then, thank 
God, she is ali ve ! " 

They reached another cell, the door of which, like 
that of Peppino's, was fastened by a bar. Within 
the cell the low moaning continued. Monte-Cristo 
seized the bar, whirled it aside and flung open the 
door; then he sprang into the cell, calling wildly on 
his daughter. 

Zuleika was lying in a corner upon a heap of straw 
and moaning piteously. At the sound of her father's 
voice, however, she was on her feet in an instant and 
cast herself rapturously into his arms. 

" Are you safe, my darling child ? " said the Count, 
covering her face with kisses. " Did the bandits re- 
spect you ? " 

" I am safe, dear father," answered Zuleika, " safe 
and uninjured. The bandits frightened me and the 
solitude and terrors of this dark, dismal dungeon have 
been fearful to endure. But all my troubles are over 
now that you are here ! " 

The Count then directed the guide to conduct them 
to the bandits' stables and there his horses and 



THE RAID ON THE BANDITS. 



345 



barouche were found. The equipage was taken to the 
open air, and after placing his daughter in the 
vehicle the Count left her in charge of Peppino and 
several soldiers of the Swiss Guard, returning to the 
cavern to bring the work of the expedition to a close. 

When Monte-Cristo reached the point where the 
Swiss Guard and their prisoners were assembled, he 
found Captain Morrel superintending the placing of 
an aged bandit upon an improvised stretcher. 

"During your absence, Count," said he, his face 
radiant with joy, "we made the most important cap- 
ture of the night! This old man is Pasquale 
Solara!" 

"Where did you find him?" asked the Count. 

"In a large cell used by the outlaws as an infirm- 
ary. He says he is mortally wounded and slowly 
dying, that his wound was inflicted by a Eoman 
nobleman who met him upon the highway — a very 
likely story, truly ! " 

" It is a fact," answered Monte-Cristo. " The 
Roman nobleman who wounded him was Giovanni 
Massetti! But, thank God, he is still alive and will 
probably last lentil Vampa's trial at which I may be 
able to force him to speak out. Have him carefully 
attended to, Maximilian ! " 

The captives were formed in line and, none being 
too much disabled to walk, save old Solara who was 
borne along on his stretcher, they were marched to 
Rome surrounded by the triumphant Swiss Guard. 
Monte-Cristo, Maximilian and Zuleika followed in the 
Count's barouche, Peppino officiating as coachman. 



346 



vampa's trial. 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 

vampa's trial. 

THE successful result of tlie raid upon the bandits 
made Monte- Cristo and Captain Morrel the 
heroes of the hour in Eome. Everywhere they went 
crowds assembled to gaze upon them and they were 
greeted with hearty cheers and loud acclamations of joy. 
Truth to tell the Eoman people both high and low 
had very much to thank them for. The outlaws' 
band was completely broken up and every member of 
it was safely bestowed in the dungeons of the Castle 
of St. Angelo, where, as already stated, the redoubtable 
leader, the notorious brigand chief, Luigi Yampa him- 
self, also languished, awaiting whatever disposition the 
authorities might choose to make of him with any- 
thing but stoicism, for he did not doubt tjiat it would 
go hard with him. Yampa's arrest was considered as 
directly due to Monte- Cristo, for had he not come to 
visit the Count it was improbable that he would ever 
have been captured. By the advice of Monte- Cristo 
also the bandits' subterranean retreat had been filled 
with powder and blown to atoms. No wonder, there- 
fore, the Eomans were grateful to the illustrious 
Frenchman and his able assistant Captain Morrel. 

Old Pasquale Solara had been placed in a hospital 
where he was closely watched and had the attendance 



vampa's trial. 



347 



of a competent physician, for the Count had assured 
Cardinal Monti that he could perhaps be made an 
important witness against Yampa at his forthcoming 
trial. After examining the shepherd's wound the 
physician had given his opinion that it was fatal, but 
that by resorting to proper and judicious measures 
the old man's life could be prolonged sufficiently to 
enable him to testify. 

Valentine was much affected when she heard from 
Zuleika's lips the story of her seizure by the brigands 
and her imprisonment in the dark, damp cell of their 
cavern fastness, but her emotion was tempered with 
joy that her beloved friend had escaped with no other 
injury than the shock resulting from her fright and 
natural apprehensions. 

When Giovanni learned of his betrfrthed's dangerous 
adventure and the perils that had encompassed her his 
indignation knew no bounds, and in addition he felt 
considerably hurt that Monte-Cristo had not allowed 
him to participate in her rescue. The Count and his 
daughter, however, succeeded in calming him and in 
convincing him that all had been done for the best. 
He was further propitiated by Monte- Cristo's assurance 
that he could now act openly and without fear of 
prejudicing his case, as the criminals were secured and 
the end was surely approaching. 

Cardinal Monti decided that Vampa's trial should 
take place within a week and that the first charge 
investigated should be that relating to the abduction 
of Annunziata Solara and the conspiracy against the 
Viscount Massetti. This decision was brought about 



348 



vampa's trial. 



by the influence of the Count of Monte- Cristo, who 
represented to the Papal Secretary of State the 
importance of utilizing the testimony of old Pasquale 
Solara while he was yet in a condition to give it. 

The Count resolved to make a final effort to con- 
vince Annunziata Solara of Giovanni's innocence, 
though he had determined to employ her evidence in 
any event, trusting to the lawyers and the Court to 
extract such admissions from her as would tend to 
show that she was mistaken in regard to the identity 
of her abductor. He knew the former flower-girl was 
conscientious and firmly believed in her theory, but 
still he was not without hope that she might be 
led to see matters as they really were. Besides, if 
her father should see fit to confess she could not 
fail to be convinced of Vampa's guilt and in that 
case the expression of her conviction would be of 
the utmost value. 

In pursuit of his plan Monte-Cristo at once com- 
municated with Mme. de Eancogne at the Eefuge 
in Civita Yecchia, begging her to bring Annunziata 
to Eome without an instant's delay. She promptly 
responded by appearing at the Hotel de France with 
her protegee and the Count arranged an interview 
between the latter and young Massetti in his salon. 
When Annunziata accompanied by the Superior of 
the Order of Sisters of Eefuge entered the apartment 
and found Giovanni waiting for her there she flashed 
deeply and began to tremble. 

''Courage, my poor child," said Mme. de Eancogne, 
soothingly, " courage 1 " 



vampa's trial. 



349 



11 Sister Annunziata," said the Count, who was also 
in the salon, "have no fear. All we wish in this 
peculiarly unfortunate matter is to get at the truth. 
Hear what the Viscount has to say in his own behalf 
• — that is only justice ! " 

The flush on the girl's handsome countenance was 
succeeded by an ashen paleness, but she eventually 
managed to obtain control of herself. Casting down 
her eyes, she said: 

"I will hear what the Viscount Massetti has to say, 
but he will not, he cannot, deny his shameful and 
dishonorable conduct towards me!" 

Giovanni, hardly less affected than the girl who 
supposed herself his victim, advanced to her and took 
her hand. She did not refuse to let him hold it in 
his, but studiously refrained from looking him in the 
face. 

"Annunziata," said Massetti, humbly, "I do not 
deny that my conduct towards you in the past was 
altogether reprehensible and unpardonable. I do not 
deny that circumstances so shaped themselves that I 
was made to seem a wretched, despicable criminal in 
your eyes; but, Annunziata, I stopped short of actual 
guilt, and as Heaven is my witness I had no hand 
either in your abduction or the horrible events that 
accompanied and followed it! This I swear, and this 
is God's truth ! " 

Annunziata lifted her eyes and gave him a search- 
ing glance. 

"I understand your anxiety to clear yourself," she 
said, slowly. " With a stain on your name you can- 



350 



vampa's trial. 



not marry the Count of Monte- Cristo's beautiful 
daughter ! " 

It was a keen, cutting thrust and made Giovanni 
wince, but be recovered himself instantly. 

" I am anxious to clear my name that I may wed 
Zuleika," he replied, steadily and firmly, "but I am 
also anxious because I am innocent of all criminal 
action — innocent of your abduction, of your dishonor 
and of your brother's blood! Annunziata, do you 
still decline to believe my solemn assertions ? " 

" I would gladly believe them if I could," responded 
the girl, " but, alas ! I cannot ! I saw your face when 
your mask fell from it that dreadful night in the for- 
est! I heard the tones of your voice afterwards in 
the hut guarded by the bandits ! What more con- 
vincing evidence could I require?" 

"You were mistaken, Annunziata, you were fearfully 
mistaken ! " cried the young Italian, overwhelming des- 
pair seizing upon him and crushing the hope in his 
heart. He could not convince the former flower-girl, 
he could not even shake her convictions! He had 
failed with her as Monte- Cristo had previously failed 
at the Eefuge in Civita Vecchia ! Up to this time he 
had continued to hold Annunziata's hand, but now he 
dropped it as if it had been some venomous serpent. 

Annunziata was deeply affected, but her emotion 
arose from an altogether different cause. She felt her 
shame and disgrace and was, besides, horrified at the 
idea that she had once hung upon the honeyed words 
of such a scoundrel as in her view the Viscount 
Massetti had proved to be. 



vampa's teial. 351 



Monte- Cristo was now thoroughly satisfied that 
Giovanni could effect nothing with Annunziata and that 
a further prolongation of the interview would only 
be fraught with additional suffering for both the girl 
and young Massetti ; he, therefore, requested Mme. de 
Eancogne to take her protegee to her apartment, and 
when they had quitted the salon said to the Vis- 
count : 

"We must trust this girl to the lawyers and 
judges, Giovanni. They perhaps may be sufficiently 
shrewd to shake her testimony even should old Solara 
elect to maintain silence on the subject that vitally 
concerns us." 

At the appointed time the trial of Luigi Yampa 
began in the Judgment Hall of the Vatican, which 
was crowded to its utmost capacity, both men and 
women being present and striving to push forward so 
as to obtain a glimpse of the notorious brigand chief 
and of the first witness Annunziata Solara. 

Cardinal Monti in person presided, assisted by two 
subordinate Cardinals. In the portion of the hall 
railed off for the use of the bar sat Monte-Cristo 
and the Viscount Massetti with their lawyers, the 
best and most acute advocates in Borne, while just 
without the rail were M. Morrel and Esperance, the 
latter having come from Paris expressly to attend the 
trial, though at his request his testimony was not to 
be demanded of him. Just within the rail and close 
beside Maximilian and the son of Monte-Cristo 
Valentine and Zuleika were seated, both closely 
veiled. Near them sat Mme. de Eancogne and the 



352 



vampa's trial. 



unfortunate Annunziata Solara, clad in the dark gray 
habits of the Order of the Sisters of Eefuge, their 
white faces plainly visible beneath the nuns' bonnets 
of spotless linen they wore. Peppino sat beside the 
Count. 

There was a low murmur of conversation in the 
Judgment Hall, as the audience discussed the prob- 
able issue of the trial and expressed diverse opin- 
ions, though all were agreed that whatever might be 
the decision of the Court in regard to the abduction 
and conspiracy Luigi Yampa would not escape punish- 
ment for the crimes he had committed in his capacity 
of chief of the bandits. 

Presently Cardinal Monti arose, magnificent in his 
princely apparel and glittering jewels, waving his hand 
for silence. His gesture was instantly obeyed and the 
entire hall grew still as death. Then the Cardinal 
resumed his seat on the judicial bench, and, turning 
to the clerk of the Court, commanded him to pro- 
claim the session opened. This was done, whereupon 
the Cardinal said, in a voice distinctly audible in all 
parts of the vast apartment : 

u Bring in the accused!" 

A moment later Luigi Vampa entered a raised en- 
closure serving the purpose of a dock in the custody 
of two stalwart and thoroughly armed military police- 
men. His face was ashen, but he glanced about him 
nonchalantly and defiantly. "When his eyes rested 
upon Monte-Cristo and the Viscount Massetti he 
smiled in a peculiar sort of way as if he felt con- 
vinced that all their labors would be in vain. Sud- 



vampa's trial. 



353 



denly he saw the two gray-robed women in their 
linen nuns' bonnets, starting slightly as he recognized 
Annunziata Solara, but otherwise evincing no emotion. 

The men and women in the distant portions of the 
hall got upon the benches, craning their necks to see 
the accused, and there arose a murmur, a faint hiss, 
that was promptly checked by the vigilant Court 
officials who were marching here and there with their 
long white staffs in their hands and their black caps 
upon their heads. 

Then Cardinal Monti again arose, speaking in a 
deep, impressive voice : 

" Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar," said he, "you 
stand here accused of many grave crimes, but the 
charge which the Court will first consider is blacker 
than all the rest ; that charge, Luigi Vampa, prisoner 
at the bar, is that you abducted and afterwards seduced 
a peasant girl named Annunziata Solara and, in col- 
lusion with her father, Pasquale Solara, conspired to 
throw the onus and suspicion of your crime upon an 
innocent man, the Viscount Giovanni Massetti. What 
say you, Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar, are you 
guilty or not guilty ? " 

"Not guilty, your Eminence!" responded the una- 
bashed brigand chief. 

At this there was another murmur in the hall 
which was promptly suppressed as before. 

" Accused, you can take your seat," said the Cardinal. 

Vampa did as directed, the policemen remaining 
standing at his sides with drawn swords in their 
hands. 

22 



354 



vampa's tkial. 



"Let the first witness be called/' said the Cardinal, 
addressing the clerk of the Court. 

That official arose and called out, in a loud yoice : 
"Annun&iata Solara!" 

The former flower-girl came forward, slowly and 
timidly, and went upon the elevated witness stand, 
where the accustomed oath was administered to her 
by the clerk. 

Again there was a general craning of necks, the 
women showing the strongest anxiety to behold the 
girl who was said to have been Vampa's victim. 

In a low, faltering voice Annunziata proceeded to 
give her testimony. She repeated her sad story pre- 
cisely as she had done before, entirely exonerating 
the bandit chief and throwing the whole weight of 
the crime upon the shoulders of the Yiscount Massetti. 

This was the reverse of what the audience had 
expected and the murmur of surprise was universal. 

The prisoner glanced at Monte-Cristo and Massetti 
with a radiant look of triumph. 

The Viscount's lawyers then took the witness in 
hand, but shrewd and able as they were they utterly 
failed to make her swerve even a hair's breadth from 
her evidence. She returned to her place beside Mme. 
de Eancogne, confident that she had done her duty 
and uttered not a single syllable that was untrue. 

Peppino followed her. He repeated almost word for 
word the details he had given the Count of Monte- 
Cristo in Paris. His recital was so vivid, so circum- 
stantial, that it made a wonderful impression both 
upon the Court and the audience. When he spoke of 



vampa's trial. 



855 



old Pasquale Solara's infamous sale of his beautiful 
daughter to Luigi Vampa the male auditors could 
scarcely restrain their indignation and the women 
fairly screamed with horror, the utmost efforts of the 
Court officers being required to force them into any- 
thing like quietude. Another sensation was caused by 
Peppino's exposure of the nefarious conspiracy by which 
the innocent young Viscount was brought and kept 
under the suspicion of murder and abduction. When 
he concluded his narrative and quitted the witness 
stand he and Vampa exchanged glances of bitter and 
vindictive hate, and it . required all the strength of 
the policemen in charge of the prisoner to keep him 
from leaping from the dock and attempting to take 
summary vengeance upon the fearless and outspoken 
witness. 

The Viscount Massetti now took the stand. He 
gave the full history of his acquaintance with Annun- 
ziata Solara from the meeting in the Piazza del Pop- 
olo to the encounter with Vampa in the forest and 
the administration of the oath of silence, speaking 
with such evident sincerity and feeling that his tes- 
timony acquired additional weight thereby. The brig- 
and chief watched him closely, listening to his 
testimony with a contemptuous smile. When the 
young Italian returned to Monte-Cristo and resumed 
his seat his pale visage was a mass of perspiration 
and great agitation had possession of him. 

"Call Pasquale Solara," said the Cardinal to the 
clerk, after referring to a paper upon the desk in 
front of him. 



356 



vampa's trial. 



"Pasquale Solara!" cried the clerk, immediately. 

There was a stir in the audience and four soldiers 
of the Swiss Guard advanced towards the judicial 
bench, bearing a stretcher upon which was extended 
the emaciated form of the aged shepherd. 

As her. father was borne past her, Annunziata ut- 
tered a cry and arose to go to him, but Mme. de 
Eancogne gently pulled her back into her chair, whis- 
pering to her that he was in the custody of the 
Court and that she could only see him after the trial 
was concluded, when the requisite permission would 
be obtained for her. 

Old Pasquale was lifted from the stretcher by a 
couple of soldiers and aided to mount the witness 
stand. He was so faint and weak that it was neces- 
sary to hold him in an upright position after he had 
with great difficulty mounted the stand. Even then 
he trembled like a paralytic and it was some mo- 
ments before he could answer the questions addressed 
to him. Yampa regarded him with intense anxiety, 
eagerly leaning forward to catch the feeble, almost 
imperceptible sounds that issued from his lips. 

"May it please your Eminence," said old Pasquale, 
painfully pausing after every word, "I am a dying 
man. The hospital physician who has accompanied 
me and is now in the Judgment Hall assures me that 
I can last but a few davs at most. I have been a 
great sinner, but I do not desire to go before my 
angered God with all the weight of my iniquity upon 
me; therefore, I have resolved to speak, to tell all I 
know!" 



vampa's trial. 



357 



The spectators in the body of the hall shuddered 
Old Solara's voice did not reach them, but they felt 
instinctively that some dreadful revelation was either 
being or about to be made. Monte- Cristo and Mas- 
setti half arose in their seats; they were near enough 
to grasp the purport of what the shepherd had said 
and its effect upon them was absolutely overwhelm- 
ing ; they had expected that Pasquale would either tell 
a cunningly fabricated tale calculated to shield Vampa 
or take refuge in stony, stubborn silence, but instead 
he was going to make a clean breast of the whole 
terrible crime!. Annunziata had also heard and was 
listening for what should follow with a countenance 
almost as white as her nun's bonnet. Mme. de Ean- 
cogne caught her hands and held them firmly; she 
too was startled beyond expression by old Solara's 
words and feared the effect of further revelations upon 
her prot^ge'e. Zuleika, Valentine, M. Morrel and Espe- 
rance were too far away from the witness stand to 
comprehend a syllable, but like the spectators in the 
body of the hall they divined what was on the point 
of coming, holding their breath in fear and expecta- 
tion. As for Yampa, he could hardly be kept still ; 
his fingers worked nervously as if he desired to stran- 
gle the dying witness, and he glanced at him with the 
flashing eyes of a ferocious tiger brought to bay. 
Old Pasquale continued, amid the deepest silence: 
"I do not seek to shield myself. Vampa is guilty 
both of the abduction and of the plot to ruin the 
Viscount Massetti, but I was his tempter and to me 
lie owes his crime ! However, with the murder of my 



358 



vampa's trial. 



son Lorenzo I had nothing to do — the chief alone is 
responsible for that! But I tempted him with the 
beauty of my poor daughter Annunziata! Greedy 
for gold I sold her to him ! The abduction was pro- 
posed by me and executed by him ! The plan to 
throw young Massetti under suspicion also originated 
with me, Yampa and myself carrying it out together. 
In forming the plan I was actuated by a desire to 
obtain vengeance upon old Count Massetti for a wrong 
he did me in the past ! Now, your Eminence, you 
know the whole black history!" 

Pasquale Solara ceased and sank back into the arms 
of the two soldiers who were supporting him, totally 
overcome by the terrible exertions he had made in 
delivering his crushing testimony, and lay there a 
helpless, quivering mass. As they were about to 
remove him from the witness stand a sudden thought 
occurred to him, and with a herculean effort he 
straightened himself up, making a sign to the Court 
that he had something further to communicate. 

"Speak, witness," said Cardinal Monti, in response 
to this sigh. 

"Your Eminence," resumed the shepherd, slowly 
and painfully, "I wish to say yet another word. I 
received my death wound at the hands of the Yis- 
count Massetti!" 

There was a quick stir among those who heard 
this unexpected accusation and a score of eyes, inclu- 
ding those of Cardinal Monti and his associates on the 
judicial bench, were instantly fixed upon the young 
Italian, who glanced at Monte- Cristo and the lawyers 



vampa's trial. 



359 



with a look of consternation. The Count was about 
to address the Court in explanation, when old Solara, 
who had paused to recover breath, added: 

"But I richly deserve what I received and it is 
fitting that I should die by the hand of the man I 
sought to ruin! The wound, however, was dealt me 
in a perfectly fair duel and with my latest breath I 
shall exonerate the Viscount from all blame in the 
matter as I do now ! " 

The concluding portion of old Solara's last speech 
was a surprise. Massetti drew a long breath of 
relief. It was scarcely probable that he would be 
prosecuted by the Eoman authorities for fighting a 
duel with the shepherd under the circumstances, and 
the wounded man had voluntarily removed every 
suspicion of foul play from him. Monte- Cristo and 
the lawyers cast congratulatory glances at the young 
Italian. His rehabilitation now only needed Vampa's 
conviction and sentence to be perfect, and it could 
not for an instant be doubted that they would speed- 
ily follow. 

The effect of her father's testimony or rather con? 
fession upon Annunziata had been startling. It com- 
pletely shattered all her convictions, placing her mis- 
fortunes in a new and horrible light. The Viscount 
was innocent as he had steadily asserted, and her 
parent stood revealed to her in all his moral hideous- 
ness ; he was a monster, a demon; he had made his 
fearful revelations only when death was upon him 
and reparation was impossible; besides, there was 
nothing noble or elevating about his remorse — it was 



360 



vampa's trial. 



thoroughly characteristic of the man — altogether 
selfish, induced solely by the fear of consequences in 
the world to come. Annunziata felt as if all faith in 
humanity had been withdrawn from her, and as she 
gradually realized the full meaning of her father's 
words she closed her eyes and with a gasp sank 
fainting into the arms of Mme. de Eancogne, who, 
hardly less shocked and surprised than the poor girl 
herself, used every effort to revive her, finally 
succeeding. 

In the little group consisting of Zuleika, Valentine, 
M. Morrel and Esperance uncertainty prevailed for 
some moments. They had been unable to catch what 
old Solara had said, to glean more than a general 
idea that his testimony had been against Yampa. 
As soon, however, as his emotion permitted him to 
do so Giovanni went to them and communicated the 
glad tidings. Zuleika was almost overcome by the 
immensity of her joy and with difficultly restrained 
herself from embracing her lover directly in the face 
of the august Court and the assembled spectators. 
Valentine was ready to weep with delight and her 
husband felt as much triumph as if he had won a 
decisive victory over the combined enemies of France. 
As for Esperance, he was both enraptured and 
ashamed — enraptured that the dark stain was removed 
from Giovanni's name and ashamed that he had been 
so blind and unjust as to wrongfully suspect him. 

When the gist of Pasquale Solara's evidence was 
whispered around among the audience the Court offi- 
cers were powerless to suppress the expressions of 



vampa's trial. 



361 



horror and enthusiasm. Had the shepherd not been 
closely guarded by the soldiers he certainly would 
have been torn to pieces and trodden under foot, so 
great was the tide of popular indignation against him. 
At last, however, the tumult subsided and Cardinal 
Monti, addressing the brigand chief, said: 

" Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar, you have heard 
the testimony. What have you to say in your de- 
fense?" 

Vampa forced to his feet by the policemen replied, 
doggedly and sullenly: 
"Nothing!" 

Cardinal Monti then turned to his associates on the 
judicial bench and a brief conference ensued, after 
which he arose and facing Vampa said, solemnly : 

" Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar, the judgment of 
the Papal Court is that you are guilty, first of the 
murder of Lorenzo Solara, though as he attacked you 
the crime has been placed in the second degree, sec- 
ond of the abduction of Annunziata Solara, and third 
of conspiracy to indelibly blacken the character of a 
worthy Eoman nobleman, the Viscount Giovanni Mas- 
setti. Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar, the sentence 
of the Papal Court is that you be taken hence back 
to your dungeon in the Castle of St. Angelo, there to 
undergo solitary imprisonment for life. As this sen- 
tence renders it unnecessary to proceed to an examina- 
tion of the other and less important charge against 
you, that of robbery <on the public highways and of 
maltreating your captives, your trial is now at an end. 
Luigi Vampa, prisoner at the bar, may God have 



362 



vampa's trial. 



mercy upon you and bring you to repentance and 
ultimate salvation ! " 

Cardinal Monti resumed Iris seat amid loud mur- 
murs of applause and satisfaction. When these died 
away the clerk declared the Court adjourned, the con- 
vict was removed and the audience slowly dispersed. 

Mme. de Kancogne and Annunziata Solara immedi- 
ately returned to the Eefuge in Civita Yecchia, where 
the poor girl lay prostrated for many weeks. After 
his confession of his infamous deeds she had no 
further desire to see her despicable and degraded 
father. 

Monte- Cristo and his party rode joyously back to 
the Hotel de France in the Count's barouche. 

That evening no happier persons existed upon earth 
than Giovanni and Zuleika. 



JOY UNBOUNDED. 



363 



CHAPTEE XXX. 

JOY UNBOUNDED. 

THE news of the result of Luigi Vampa's trial 
spread with the utmost rapidity throughout 
Eome and occasioned the wildest rejoicing, still further 
augmenting the popularity of Monte-Cristo and Cap- 
tain Morrel, who were credited by the Eoman popu- 
lace with having brought about the dreaded brigand 
chiefs conviction and inspired his sentence. Every- 
where, while the vast importance of old Pasquale 
Solara's testimony was recognized and admitted, the 
wretched shepherd himself was execrated as an unnat- 
ural, heartless father, as a diabolical scoundrel without 
a single redeeming trait. The fact of his having 
turned State's evidence saved him from the heavy 
hand of the law, but his mortal wound would soon 
rid the world of him and this circumstance occasioned 
hearty congratulation in all quarters. 

The morning succeeding Vampa's trial a messenger 
arrived at the Hotel de France from the Count Mas- 
setti, bearing a brief note in which the aged nobleman 
begged his son to come to him at once. Giovanni 
exhibited this note triumphantly to Zuleika and the 
friends who had labored so untiringly and successfully 
in his cause, and, together with the Count of Monte- 
Cristo and M. Morrel, immediately repaired to the 



364 



JOY UNBOUNDED. 



Palazzo Massetti in Monte-Cristo's barouche. The old 
Count received his son with open arms and cordially 
greeted Monte- Cristo and Maximilian. 

" Giovanni," said he, frankly, "I admit that I was 
wrong, that I was led astray by what seemed to me 
to be convincing proof. My pride and honor revolted 
at the stain apparently cast upon them and I acted as 
almost any Eoman father would have done. I acknowl- 
edge that I was hasty, that I proceeded to extremities 
without due reflection or examination. These admis- 
sions in the presence of your noble, self-sacrificing 
friends cost me dear, but, you observe that I do not 
shrink from them, notwithstanding the deep humili- 
ation. I humbly ask your forgiveness and restore 
all I have taken from you. Again you are my 
beloved son and heir." 

The old nobleman paused, greatly affected ; his eyes 
were full of tears, tears of mingled contrition and 
delight. The Viscount's emotion was such that for 
an instant he was unable to reply. He, however, 
recovered control of himself with a mighty effort, 
and said, in a voice tremulous with his colossal joy: 

"Father, I have nothing to forgive. Appearances 
warranted all you did, and I can only thank Heaven that 
the truth has been developed before it was too late!" 

With these words he threw himself upon the old 
Patrician's neck. The Count embraced him, drawing 
him to his heart and their tears mingled together, for 
Giovanni also was weeping now. 

Slowly and as if reluctantly releasing his recovered 
and rehabilitated son, the Count turned to M. Morrel. 



JOY UNBOUNDED. 



365 



"Captain," lie said, "I owe you an ample apology 
for my haughty and imperious treatment when you 
stated to me the object of your mission to Eome. 
I tender it at this moment and venture to hope that 
you will accept it even though it comes at the elev- 
enth hour! " 

"Count," replied Maximilian, "I should be worse 
than a boor did I not accept it. Here is my hand in 
token of my renewed friendship and esteem." 

Old Massetti took the Captain's proffered hand and 
pressed it warmly. 

"You fully sustain the reputation of the great na- 
tion to which you belong," said he, with the utmost 
cordiality, " — you are as noble as yon are generous!" 

" Count," answered M. Morrel, bowing profoundly, 
"you flatter me! Say rather that I am a French sol- 
dier and as such never shrink from my duty no mat- 
ter in what shape it may come!" 

"As you please, Captain," returned the aged noble- 
man, with an agreeable smile. "To my apology I 
must, however, add my gratitude for all you have 
done to aid Giovanni and in the expression of that 
gratitude I must include Mme. Morrel, of whose heroic 
•exploit in the Colosseum and subsequent devotion to 
my son in his hour of mental darkness I have heard." 

Maximilian again bowed profoundly. 

Advancing to the Count of Monte-Cristo the elder 
Massetti said : 

"Now, your Excellency, it is your turn. Your 
name and deeds have long been familiar to me, but 
to whom are they not familiar! Still, though you 



366 



JOY UNBOUNDED. 



have frequently honored Eome with your illustrious 
presence, never have I had the pleasure of meeting 
you -until this happy day when I, too, am included in 
the long list of those who have received overwhelm- 
ing benefits at your hands. Edmond Dant&s, Count 
of Monte- Cristo, I owe to you my son's restoration 
to sanity brought about by little less than a miracle, 
a blessing almost as great as his rehabilitation, for 
which also I am on the endless roll of your debtors." 

Monte- Cristo bowed, but made no reply. 

"My debt, vast as it is," continued old Massetti, 
" is I learn to be yet further augmented by an alli- 
ance between our two houses, and I need not tell you 
that this increase of my obligations will be a burden 
of joy that I shall accept with thanks to Heaven for 
the signal favor shown me ! " 

Monte- Cristo repeated his bow and said : 

"You ratify the compact between our two children 
then, Count Massetti?" 

" With more delight than I can express ! " replied 
the latter, enthusiastically. "May I ask another favor 
of your Excellency?" he added, suddenly. 

" Certainly," said Monte-Cristo, somewhat astonished 
and casting a look of inquiry at his venerable host. 

"In that case," resumed the aged nobleman, "I 
would like to welcome your daughter immediately 
to the Palazzo Massetti!" 

"She shall be sent for without an instant's delay," 
answered Monte-Cristo. "Giovanni, return in the 
barouche to the Hotel de France and bring Zuleika to 
your father!" 



JOY UNBOUNDED. 367 



The young man joyously obeyed and in a very 
short space of time Monte-Cristo's daughter came 
timidly and blushingly into the presence of the Count 
Massetti, leaning upon the arm of her betrothed, 
whose countenance fairly shone with happiness. The 
youthful pair were accompanied by Mme. Morrel. 

When the presentations had been made, the ven- 
erable Patrician stood for a moment contemplating 
his future daughter-in-law. 

" So this is Zuleika ! " he said at length. " She is 
a beautiful and charming girl, and I do not doubt that 
the attractions of her mind are fully equal to those of 
her person! My child," he continued, addressing 
Monte-Cristo's daughter, "I welcome you to my home 
and to my heart! Make Giovanni as happy as I 
know he will make you! Now, my children, accept 
a father's blessing!" 

The young couple knelt at the old man's feet and 
he extended his hands above their heads. When they 
arose he took Zuleika in his arms and tenderly kissed 
her. 

In the general joy Valentine was not forgotten, the 
aged Count renewing to her the expression of his 
gratitude he had previously made to her husband in 
her behalf. 

It was ultimately arranged that the marriage con- 
tract should be signed within a week, and this for- 
mality was complied with in the presence of many of 
the young Viscount's relatives, of Monte-Cristo, Mer- 
cedes, M. and Mme. Albert de Morcerf, Esp^rance and 
M. and Mme. Morrel, Mercedes and the Morcerfs 



368 JOY UNBOUNDED. 



having come post-haste to Home to take part in the 
auspicious event. Monte- Cristo gave his daughter the 
dowry of a Princess and his liberality was fully 
matched by that of the Count Massetti who settled 
upon Giovanni a fortune equal to that of some orien- 
tal potentate. 

The marriage took place in Eome and was a grand 
affair, the wedding festivities lasting all day and far 
into the night. The happy occasion had the charac- 
ter of a public rejoicing, for the populace grateful to 
the Count of Monte-Cristo and Maximilian Morrel for 
the suppression of Luigi Vampa and his dangerous 
outlaws, who for years had been the terror of rich 
and poor alike, paraded the streets in vast bodies in 
honor of Zuleika's nuptials with the man whom the 
notorious brigand chief had so nearly succeeded in 
overwhelming with irretrievable ruin and disgrace. 

From a very early hour in the morning the Palazzo 
Massetti was surrounded by cheering and enthusiastic 
throngs, and by eight o'clock the vast gardens of the 
Massettis' were thrown open freely to all who chose 
to enter. The preparations there were on a gigantic 
and princely scale. Huge tables had been placed in 
various broad alleys and literally groaned beneath the 
weight of the abundant and inviting refreshments, 
while vast casks of excellent wines were on tap. An 
army of servants waited upon the people, liberally 
supplying them with the appetizing edibles and the 
exhilarating product of the vintage. The Papal and 
French flags were everywhere displayed in company, 
and the beauty of the decorations of the gardens was 



JOY UNBOUNDED. 



369 



such as to excite universal wonder and admiration. 
The health of the Viscount Massetti and his charming 
bride was drunk thousands of times amid acclamations 
of delight, but throughout the whole colossal assem- 
blage perfect order was preserved, the military police 
on duty finding their occupation a sinecure. 

Immediately in front of the Palazzo Massetti a tri- 
umphal arch had been erected. It was covered with 
the intertwined ensigns of Eome and France and at its 
apex bore an appropriate motto formed of creamy 
white orange blossoms and scarlet roses. 

The interior of the palazzo rivaled in dazzling 
splendor the most superb and gorgeous vision that 
ever entranced a devotee of hatchis while dreaming 
under the potent influence of his favorite drug. 

In the principal salon were gathered many person- 
ages with whom the reader is familiar, all in festal 
attire — the Count of Monte-Cristo and his beloved wife 
Mercedes, their friends Maximilian and Valentine 
Morrel, Esperance, Mile. Louise d' Armilly and M. 
and Madame Albert de Morcerf. Many noble rela- 
tives of the groom were also present, to say nothing 
of hosts of acquaintances. Old Count Massetti, who 
seemed rejuvenated and whose venerable countenance 
was wreathed in smiles of joy, moved about among 
his guests the happiest of the happy. 

Presently a door was thrown open, a valet an- 
nounced the bride and groom and Giovanni entered 
proudly with the lovely Zuleika hanging upon his 
arm, her beauty heightened by her blushes and diffi- 
dence. She wore a magnificent robe of white satin 
23 



370 



JOY UNBOUNDED. 



that a Queen might have envied ancl the radiance 
of diamonds of inestimable value flashed from a taste- 
ful necklace that adorned her pearly throat ; upon her 
night black hair rested a wreath of orange blossoms 
and her flowing bridal veil was fastened back by a 
sparkling emerald pin. A murmur of admiration and 
approval arose from the guests as they beheld Monte- 
Cristo's daughter and noted her unequaled charms. 

The procession to St. Peter's was witnessed by com- 
pact masses of spectators, who loudly cheered the 
bride and groom and hailed with tumultuous applause 
all the well-known personages as they in turn appeared. 

Within the vast cathedral the concourse was im- 
mense, but was kept at a suitable distance by uni- 
formed ushers. 

The Pope himself united the young couple in the 
holy bonds of wedlock, having consented to do so in 
consequence of his high esteem for the Massetti house, 
the oldest and most aristocratic in his dominions, and 
out of consideration for the Count of Monte-Cristo, 
whose wonderful history had penetrated even the 
august portals of the Vatican. At the close of the 
impressive ceremony His Holiness blessed the newly- 
made husband and wife, and immediately afterwards 
the grand organ burst out with a triumphal peal, an 
unseen choir chanting a jubilant marriage hymn, 
whereupon the bride and groom surrounded by their 
bridesmaids and groomsmen, Esperance holding the 
first place among the latter, received the congratula- 
tions of their relatives and friends. 

That night there was unbounded festivity at the 



JOY UNBOUNDED. 



371 



Palazzo Massetti, the glad celebration terminating 
with, a grand ball and an elaborate supper. The 
next morning Giovanni and Zuleika started upon an 
extended bridal tour which was to embrace the most 
interesting portions of Europe. 

Eventually they settled in Paris, as they had orig- 
inally .decided, where Giovanni bought a magnificent 
residence, furnishing it with all the luxury of the 
orient. 

Their married life was as happy as it was favored, 
and Zuleika never had occasion to regret that she had 
clung to Giovanni when all the rest of the world 
seemed to have deserted him. 

Esperance and the young husband at once became as 
fast friends as ever, and the dark cloud that had 
separated them in the past was completely forgotten. 

The Count of Monte-Gristo and Mercedes continued to 
lead a tranquil and charming existence in the palatial 
mansion on the Eue du Helder. Upon the elevation of 
Louis Napoleon to power the Count, who distrusted him 
and his schemes, abandoned politics and the agitation of 
public life forever, contenting himself with doing all 
the good in his power and aiding the needy in a 
quiet, unostentatious way. His daughter and her hus- 
band spent a great deal of their time at the family 
mansion, and the Count and Mercedes acquired ad- 
ditional delight thereby. Albert de Morcerf, his wife 
and Mile. Louise d' Armilly remained inmates of the 
Monte-Cristo residence, aiding not a little in promo- 
ting the comfort and happiness of their generous and 
agreeable hosts. 



372 



JOY UNBOUNDED. 



Maximilian Morrel and his wife returned to Mar- 
seilles, but they were frequently in Paris and never 
failed to find vast enjoyment and gratification in the 
society of the Monte- Cristos, the Massettis and their 
friends. 

Giovanni's father died a year or two after the mar- 
riage of his son, leaving him his title, his palaces, 
his vineyard and all his colossal wealth ; but even 
this change in his condition did not induce the young 
Count to return to Eome, where the sad associations 
of the past were too powerful for him. 

Old Solara expired in the hospital at Eome a few 
days subsequent to Vampa's trial, and Annunziata lived 
long with Mme. de Eancogne in the Eefuge at Civita 
Vecchia, drawing what consolation she could from 
abundant good works. 

Peppino and Beppo remained in the service of the 
Count of Monte-Cristo, leading honest and upright 
lives. 

Waldmann and Siebecker were caught red-handed 
in the commission of a murder and ended their 
iniquitous association on the scaffold, the knife of 
the guillotine ridding the world of two extremely 
dangerous wretches. 

As for Danglars, he suddenly disappeared from Paris 
one day and was heard of no more. 



THE END. 



"MONTE-CRISTO SERIES." 

Petersons 9 Complete and Unabridged Editions. 



MONTE-CRISTO'S DAUGHTER. Sequel to Alexander Dumas' Cele- 
brated Novel of "The Count of Monte-Cristo," and Conclusion of "Edmond 
Dantis." With an Illustrated Cover, with Portrait of " Monte- Crista 's Daugh- 
ter, Zuleika" on it. Every person that has read " The Count of Monte- Crist o " 
should get "Monte- Crises Daughter" at once, and read it. It is complete in 
one large duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 cents, or $1.25 in cloth. 

EDMOND D ANTES. The Sequel to "The Count of Monte- Cristo," by Alex- 
ander Dumas. "Edmond Dantes" is one of the most wonderful romances ever 
issued. Just at the point where "The Count of Monte-Cristo " ends, "Edmond 
Dantes" takes up the fascinating narrative and continues it with marvellous 
power and absorbing interest unto the end. Every person that has read " The 
Count of Monte-Cristo" should get "Edmond Dantes" at once, and read it. 
Complete in one large duodecimo volume, paper, price 75 cents, or #1.25 in cloth. 

THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO. Petersons' New Illustrated 
Edition. By Alexander Dumas. With full-page Engravings, illustrative of va- 
rious scenes in the work. Petersons' Edition of "The Count of Monte-Cristo" 
is the only Complete and Unabridged Edition of it ever translated, and it is con- 
ceded by all to be the greatest as well as the most exciting and best historical 
novel ever printed. Complete in one large octavo volume of six hundred pages, 
with illustrations, paper cover, price One Dollar, or $1.50 bound in morocco cloth. 

THE WIFE OF MONTE-CRISTO. Being the Continuation of Alex- 
ander Dumas' Celebrated Novel of "The Count of Monte-Cristo." With an 
Illustrated Cover, with Portraits of " Monte- Cristo /' "Hay dee" and their faithful 
servant, "AH" on it. Every person that has read " The Count of Monte-Cristo " 
should get " The Wife of Monte-Cristo" at once, and read it. Complete in one 
large duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 cents, or $1.25 in cloth. 

THE SON OF MONTE-CRISTO. Being the Sequel to " The Wife of 
Monte-Cristo" With an Illustrated Cover, with Portraits of the heroines in the 
work on it. Every person that has read " The Count of Monte-Cristo " or " The 
Wife of Monte-Cristo" should get " The Son of Monte-Cristo " at once, and read 
it. One large duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 cents, or J 1. 25 in cloth. 

THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. Being the Companion to 
Alexander Dumas' Celebrated Novel of "The Count of Monte-Cristo," and 
fully equal to that world-renowned novel. At the very commencement of the 
novel the Count of Monte Cristo, Haydee, the wife of Monte-Cristo, and Espe- 
rance, the son of Monte-Cristo, take part in a weird scene, in which Mercedes, 
Albert de Morcerf and the Countess of Monte-Cristo also participate. Complete 
in one large octavo volume, paper cover, price One Dollar, or $1.50 in cloth. 

fg^T Petersons' editions of" The Monte-Cristo Series " are for sale by all Booksellers, 
and at all News Stands everywhere, or copies of any one or all of them, will be sent to 
any one, post-paid, on remitting the price of the ones wanted to the Publishers, 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, Pa. 



T. B. PETERSON AND BROTHERS, 

306 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 

Desire to direct the close attention of all lovers of good novel reading to tha 
fs^rks and authors contained in their new catalogue, just issued. A strict scrutiny is 
solicited, because the books enumerated in it are among the most popular now 
in existence. In supplying your wants and taste in the reading line, it is of the first 
importance that you should give special attention to what is popularly designated en- 
tertaining reading matter. No library is either attractive or complete without a col - 
lection of novels and romances. The experience of many years has demonstrated 
that light reading is essential to even the most studious men and women, furnishing 
the mind with healthful recreation ; while to the young, and to those that have not 
cultivated a taste for solid works of science, it forms one of the best possible training 
schools, gradually establishing, in a pleasant manner, that habit of concentration of 
thought absolutely necessary to read understandingly the more ponderous works 
which treat of political economy, the sciences, and of the arts. 

We publish and sell at very low rates, full and varied editions of the works of 
all the famous American and Foreign Novelists, whose writings are very entertain- 
ng, specially adapted for all readers. The most of them are bound in strong cloth 
f inding, and also in paper covers. Examination is asked for our editions of the 
writings of Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth, whose romances are always in 
demand; Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, the well-known favorite ; Mrs. Henry Wood, 
the authoress of " East Lynne ; " Mrs. Caroline Lee Hentz, whose stories of 
Southern life stand unparalleled in their simple truth and exquisite beauty ; Mrs. C. 
A. Warfield„ another very popular Southern writer; Miss Eliza A. Dupuy, who 
has made a wonderful mark ; Mrs. F. H. Burnett, the authoress of " Theo ; " the 
charming and pathetic French and Russian romances of Henry Greville; the 
wonderful and famous Actions of Gustave Flaubert ; the brilliant and artistic works 
of Octave Feuili.et ; the highly finished and powerful stories of Ernest Daudet ; 
the popular and pleasing productions of Pkosper Merimee; the beautiful and 
touching love tales of the celebrated George Sand ; the clever and intensely inter- 
esting writings of Jules Sandeau ; the exciting and ingenious novels of Adolphe 
Belot; the picturesque and enchaining works of Madame Angele Dussaud ; the 
exquisitely pathetic romances of the Princess Altieri ; the strong and graphic 
productions of Andre Theuriet ; the wild frontier sketches of Gustave Aimard ; 
the classic and refined works of Madame De Stael; the absorbing and vivid fic- 
tions of Alexander Dumas, Pere ; the natural and forcible novels of Alexander 
Dumas, Fils ; the startling and mysterious romances of Eugene Sue ; the trenchant 
and unique narratives of Victor Hugo ; the realistic novels of Emile Zola, which 
have had a sale in this country unparalleled in the history of recent book-making ; 
of great interest is Sir Walter Scott, whose " Waverley" novels still maintain 
a strong hoid on the people. Charles Dickens' complete writings we furnish in 
every variety of style. W* publish also the weird stories of George Lippard ; tha 
martial novels of Charles Lever ; the comical nautical tales of Captain Marryat; 
Emerson Bennett's Indian stories ; Henry Cockton's laughable narratives; T. 
S, Arthur's temperance tales and household stories ; the wonderful and entertain- 
ing novels of Eugene Sue and W. H. Ainsworth ; the quiet domestic novels of 
Fredrika Bremer and Ellen Pickering; the masterly novels of Wilkie Col- 
lins ; Frank Fairlegh's quaint stories, and Samuel Warren's elaborate ro- 
mances ; the works of Mrs. C. J. Newby, Mrs. Grey, and Miss Pardoe; W. H. 
Herbert's sporting stories ; and the graphic Italian romances of T. A. Trollope ; 
also the fascinating writings of G. P. R. James, Mrs. S. A. Dorsey, Sir Edward 
Bulwer Lytton, James A. Maitland, The Shakspeare Novels, Charles G. 
Leland (Hans Breitmann), Dow's Patent Sermons, Doesticks, and Henry 
Morford, as well as Francatelli's, Miss Leslie's, and all the best Cook Books ; 
Petersons' "Dollar Series of Good Novels;" Petersons' "Sterling Series " of 
entertaining books ; Petersons' popular " Square i2mo. Series " of excellent stories ; 
together with hundreds of others, by the best authors in the world. 

Look over our Catalogue, and enclose a Draft or Post Office Order for five, 
ten, twenty, or fifty dollars, or more, to us in a letter, and write for what booki 
you wish, and on receipt of the money, or a satisfactory reference, the books will 
We packed and sent to you at once, in any way you may direct Address all orders t« 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Publishers, 

306 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa* 



T. B. PETERSON and BROTHERS' PUBLICATIONS. 



|gg° Orders solicited from Booksellers, Librarians, Canvassers, Newi 
Agents, and all others in want of good and fast-selling 
books, which will be supplied at very Low Bates. 



MRS. E. D. E. N. SOTTTHWORTH'S FAMOUS WORKS, 

Complete in forty-three large duodecimo volumes, bound in morocco cloth, gilt bach 
price $1.50 each ; or $64.50 a set, each set is put up in a neat box. 

Ishmael; or, In the Depths, being Self-Made; or, Out of Depths.... $1 5* 
Self-Raised; or, From the Depths. Sequel to " Ishmael." 1 5C 



The Mother-in-Law, $1 50 

The Fatal Secret, 1 50 

How He Won Her, 1 50 

Fair Play, 1 50 

The Spectre Lover, 1 50 

Victor's Triumph, .. 1 50 

A Beautiful Fiend, 1 50 

The Artist's Love, 1 50 

A Noble Lord, 1 50 

Lost Heir of Linlithgow, 1 50 

Tried for her Life, 1 50 

Cruel as the Grave, 1 50 

The Maiden Widow, 1 50 

The Family Doom, 1 50 

The Bride's Fate, 1 50 

The Changed Brides, 1 50 

Fallen Pride, 1 50 

The Widow's Son, 1 50 

The Bride of Llewellyn, 1 50 

The Fatal Marriage, 1 50 

The Missing Bride; or, Miriam, the Avenger, 1 

The Phantom Wedding; or, The Fall of the House of Flint, 1 

Above are each bound in morocco cloth, price $1.50 each. 

Self-Made ; or, Out of the Depths. By Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth. 
Complete in two volumes, cloth, price $1.50 each, or $3.00 a set. 

CAROLINE LEE HENTZ'S EXQUISITE BOOKS. 

Complete in twelve large duodecimo volumes, bound in morocco cloth, gilt back, 
price $1.50 each; or $18.00 a set, each set is put up in a neat box. 



The Deserted Wife, 1 50 

The Fortune Seeker, 1 50 

The Bridal Eve, 1 50 

The Lost Heiress, 1 50 

The Two Sisters, 1 50 

Lady of the Isle, 1 50 

Prince of Darkness, 1 50 

The Three Beauties, 1 50 

Vivia ; or the Secret of Power, 1 50 

Love's Labor Won, 1 50 

The Gipsy's Prophecy, 1 50 

Retribution, 1 50 

The Christmas Guest, 1 50 

Haunted Homestead, 1 50 

Wife's Victory, 1 50 



Allworth Abbey, 1 

India ; Pearl of Pearl River,.. 1 

Curse of Clifton, 1 

Discarded Daughter, 1 

The Mystery of Dark Hollow,.. 1 



Ernest Linwood, $1 

The Planter's Northern Bride,.. 1 

Courtship and Marriage, 1 

Rena; or, the Snow Bird, 1 

Marcus Warland, 1 



50 Love after Marriage, $1 50 

50 Eoline; or Magnolia Vale, 1 50 

50 The Lost Daughter, 1 50 

50 The Banished Son, 1 50 

50 Helen and Arthur, 1 50 

Linda ; or, the Young Pilot of the Belle Creole, 1 50 

Robert Graham; the Sequel to " Linda; or Pilot of Belle Creole,"... 1 50 
Above are each bound in morocco cloth, price $1.50 each. 



1ST" Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. (1> 



2 T. B, PETERSON & BROTHERS' PUBLICATIONS. 



MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS' FAVORITE NOVELS. 

Complete in twenty-three large duodecimo volumes, bound in morocco cloth, gilt back^ 
price $1.50 each ; or $34.50 a set, each set is put up in a neat box. 

Norston's Rest, $1 50! The Soldiers' Orphans, $1 50 

Bertha's Engagement, 1 50 A Noble Woman,... 1 50 

Bellehood and Bondage,.... 1 50 'Silent Struggles, I 50 

The Rejected Wife, 1 50 

The Wife's Secret, 1 50 

MaryDerwent, 1 50 

Fashion and Famine, 1 50 

The Curse of Gold, 1 50 

Mabel's Mistake, 1 50 

The Old Homestead, 1 50 



The Old Countess, 1 50 

Lord Hope's Choice, 1 50 

The Reigning Belle, 1 50 

Palaces and Prisons, 1 50 

Married in Haste, 1 50 

Wives and Widows, 1 50 

Ruby Gray's Strategy, 1 50 

Doubly False, 1*50 | The Heiress, 1 50 | The Gold Brick,... 1 50 

Above are each bound in morocco cloth, price $1.50 each. 

MISS ELIZA A. DUPUY'S WONDERFUL BOOKS. 

Complete in fourteen large duodecimo volumes, bound in morocco cloth, gilt back, prict 
$1.50 each; or $21.00 a set, each set is put up in a neat box. 

A New Way to Win a Fortune $1 50 | Why Did He Marry Her ? SI 50 

The Discarded Wife, 1 50 Who Shall be Victor ? 1 50 

The Clandestine Marriage, 1 50 j The Mysterious Guest, 1 50 

The Hidden Sin, 1 50 Was He Guilty? 1 50 

The Dethroned Heiress, 1 50 The Cancelled Will, 1 50 

The Gipsy's Warning, 1 50 \ The Planter's Daughter, 1 50 

All For Love, 1 50 i Michael Rudolph, 1 50 

Above are each bound in morocco cloth, price $1.50 each. 

LIST OF THE BEST COOK BOOKS PUBLISHED. 

Every housekeeper should possess at least one of the following Cook Books, as they 
would, save the price of it in a week's cooking. 

Miss Leslie's Cook Book, a Complete Manual to Domestic Cookery 

in all its Branches. Paper cover, $1 .00, or bound in cloth, $1 50 

The Queen of the Kitchen; or, The Southern Cook Book. Con- 
taining 1007 Old Southern Family Receipts for Cooking,. ..Cloth, 1 50 

Mrs. Hale's New Cook Book, Cloth, 1 50 

Petersons' New Cook Book, Cloth, 1 50 

Widdifield's New Cook Book, Cloth, 1 50 

Mrs. Goodfellow's Cookery as it Should Be, Cloth, 1 50 

The National Cook Book. By a Practical Housewife, Cloth, 1 50 

The Young Wife's Cook Book, Cloth, 1 50 

Miss Leslie's New Receipts for Cooking, Cloth, A 50 

Mrs. Hale's Receipts for the Million, Cloth, 150 

The Family Save-All. By author e* "National Cook Book," Cloth, 1 50 
Francatelli's Modern Cook Book, ^ith the most approved methods 
of French, English, German, and Italian Cookery. With Sixty- 
two Illustrations. One vol., 600 pages, bound in merocco cloth, 5 03 



Abovs Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price 
by T. B. Petersen & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 



T. B. PETERSON &, BROTHERS' PUBLICATIONS. 5 



CHARLES DICKENS' WORKS. ILLUSTRATED. 

This edition is printed from large type, octavo size, each booh being complete 
in one large octavo volume, bound in Morocco Cloth, with Gilt Character 
Figures on back, and Medallion on side, price $1.50 each, or $27.00 a set, 
contained in eighteen volumes, the whole containing near Six Hundred 
Illustrations, by Cruikshank, Phiz, Browne, Maclise, and other artists. 
The Pickwick Papers. By Charles Dickens. With 32 Illustrations,.$1.50 
Nicholas Nickleby. By Charles Dickens. With 37 Illustrations,.... 1 50 

David Copperfield. By Charles Dickens. With 8 Illustrations, 1 50 

Oliver Twist. By Charles Dickens. With 24 Illustrations, 1 50 

Bleak House. By Charles Dickens. With 38 Illustrations, 1 50 

Dombey and Son. By Charles Dickens. With 38 Illustrations, 1 50 

Sketches by "Boz." By Charles Dickens. With 20 Illustrations,... 1 50 

Little Dorrit. By Charles Dickens. With 38 Illustrations, 1 50 

Our Mutual Friend. By Charles Dickens. With 42 Illustrations ... 1 50 
Great Expectations. By Charles Dickens. With 34 Illustrations,... 1 50 
Lamplighter's Story. By Charles Dickens. With 7 Illustrations,... 1 50 

Barnaby Rudge. By Charles Dickens. With 50 Illustrations, 1 50 

Martin Chuzzlewit. By Charles Dickens. With 8 Illustrations,. .... I 50 
Old Curiosity Shop. By Charles Dickens. With 101 Illustrations,. 1 50 

Christmas Stories. By Charles Dickens. With 12 Illustrations, 1 50 

Dickens' New Stories. By Charles Dickens. With portrait of author, 1 50 
A Tale of Two Cities. By Charles Dickens. With 64 Illustrations,. 1 50 
Charles Dickens' American Notes and Pic-Nic Papers, I 50 

BOOKS BY THE VERY BEST AUTHORS. 

The following books are each issued in one large duodecimo volume, 
bound in morocco cloth, price $1.50 each. 

The Initials. A Love Story. By Baroness Tautpboeus, $1 50 

Married Beneath Him. By author of " Lost Sir Massingberd," 1 50 

Margaret Maitland. By Mrs. Oliphant, author of "Zaidee," 1 50 

Family Pride. By author of " Pique," "Family Secrets," etc 1 50 

The Autobiography of Edward Wortley Montagu, 1 50 

The Forsaken Daughter. A Companion to " Linda," 1 50 

Love and Liberty. A Revolutionary Story. By Alexander Dumas, 1 50 

The Morrisons. By Mrs. Margaret Hosmer, 1 50 

The Rich Husband. By author of " George Geith," 1 50 

The Lost Beauty. By a Noted Lady of the Spanish Court, 1 50 

My Hero. By Mrs. Forrester. A Charming Love Story, 1 50 

The Quaker Soldier. A Revolutionary Romance. By Judge Jones,.... 1 50 
Memoirs of Vidoeq, the French Detective. His Life and Adventures, 1 50 
The Belle of Washington. With her Portrait. By Mrs. N. P. Lasselle, 1 50 
High Life in Washington. A Life Picture. By Mrs. N. P. Lasselle, 1 50 
Courtship and Matrimony. By Robert Morris. With a Portrait,... 1 50 

The Jealous Husband. By Annette Marie Maillard, 1 50 

The Conscript; or, the Days of Napoleon 1st. By Alex. Dumas,.... 1 50 
Cousin Harry. By Mrs. Grey, author of " The Gambler's Wife," etc. 1 50 
Above books are each bound in morocco cloth, price $1.50 each. 



fi^* Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 



6 T, B. PETERSON & BROTHERS' PUBLICATIONS. 



WORKS BY THE VERY BEST AUTHORS. 

The following books are each issued in one large duodecimo volume^ 
bound in morocco cloth, price $1.50 each. 

The Count of Monte-Cristo. By Dumas. Illustrated, paper $1.00,..$1 50 



The Countess of Monte-Cristo. Paper cover, price $1.00; or cloth,.. 1 50 

Camille; or, the Fate of a Coquette. By Alexander Durnas, 1 50 

Love and Money. By J. B. Jones, author of the "Rival Belles,"... 1 50 

The Brother's Secret,* or, the Count De Mara. By William Godwin, 1 56 

The Lost Love. By Mrs. Oliphant, author of " Margaret Maitland," 1 50 

The Bohemians of London. By Edward M. Whitty, 1 50 

Wild Sports and Adventures in Africa. By Major W. C. Harris, 1 50 

The Life, Writings, and Lectures of the late " Fanny Fern," 1 50 

The Life and Lectures of Lola Montez, with her portrait, 1 50 

Wild Southern Scenes. By author of "Wild Western Scenes," 1 50 

Currer Lyle ;' or, the Autobiography of an Actress. By Louise Reeder. 1 50 

The Cabin and Parlor. By J. Thornton Randolph. Illustrated, 1 56 

The Little Beauty. A Love Story. By Mrs. Grey, 1 50 

Lizzie Glenn ; or, the. Trials of a Seamstress. By T. S. Arthur, 1 50 

Lady Maud ; or, the Wonder of Kingswood Chase. By Pierce Egan, 1 50 

Wilfred Montressor ; or, High Life in New York. Illustrated, 1 50 

Lorrimer Littlegood, by author " Harry Coverdale's Courtship," 1 50 

Married at Last. A Love Story. By Annie Thomas, 1 50 

Shoulder Straps. By Henry Morford, author of " Days of Shoddy," 1 50 

Days of Shoddy. By Henry Morford, author of "Shoulder Straps," 1 50 

The Coward. By Henry Morford, author of " Shoulder Straps," 1 50 

Above books are each bound in morocco cloth, price $1.50 each. 

The Roman Traitor. By Henry William Herbert. A Roman Story, 1 75 

The Last Athenian. By Victor Rydberg. From the Swedish, 1 75 



MRS. HENRY WOOD'S BEST BOOKS, IN CLOTH. 

The following are cloth editions of Mrs. Henry Wood's best books, and they 
are each issued in large octavo volumes, bound in cloth, price $1.75 each. 

Within the Maze. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of "East Lynne," $1 75 

The Master of Greylands. By Mrs. Henry Wood, 1 75 

Dene Hollow. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of" Within the Maze," 1 75 

Bessy Rane. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of "The Channings,".... 1 75 

George Canterbury's Will. By Mrs. Wood, author "Oswald Cray," 1 75 

The Channings. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of " Dene Hollow,"... 1 75 

Roland Yorke. A Sequel to " The Channings." By Mrs. Wood, 1 75 

Shadow of Ashlydyatt. By Mrs. Wood, author of " Bessy Rane,".... 1 75 

Lord Oakburn's Daughters; or The Earl's Heirs. By Mrs. Wood,... 1 75 

Verner's Pride. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of " The Channings," 1 75 

The Castle's Heir; or Lady Adelaide's Oath. By Mrs. Henry Wood, 1 75 

Oswald Cray. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of " Roland Yorke,".... 1 75 

Squire Trevlyn's Heir; or Trevlyn Hold. By Mrs. Henry Wood, 1 75 

The Red Court Farm. By Mrs. Wood, author of « Verner's Pride," 1 75 

Elster's Folly. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of" Castle's Heir,"... 1 75 

St. Martin's Eve. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of "Dene Hollow," 1 74 

Mildred Arkell. By Mrs. Henry Wood, author of "East Lynne," 1 Ik 



Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa, 



T . B PETERSON & BROTHERS' PUBLICATIONS. 3 



ALEXANDER DUMAS' ROMANCES, IN CLOTH. 

The following are cloth editions of Alexander Dumas' works, and they are 
each issued in large octavo volumes, bound in cloth, price $1.50 each. 

The Three Guardsmen ; or, The Three.Mousquetaires. By A. Dumas,$l 50 
Twenty Years After; or the "Second Series of Three Guardsmen" ... 1 50 
Bragelonne; Son of Athos ; or " Third Series of Three Guardemen," 1 50 
The Iron Mask; or the " Fourth Series of The Three Guardsmen,".... 1 50 
Louise La Valliere. The Sequel to "The Iron Mask." Being the 

" Fifth Book and End of the Three Guardsmen Series," 1 50 

The Memoirs of a Physician; or, Joseph Balsamo. Illustrated, 1 50 

Queen's Necklace; or " Second Series of Memoirs of a Physician " 1 50 
Six Years Later; or the " Third Series of Memoirs of a Physician," 1 50 
Countess of Charny ; or " Fourth Series of Memoirs of a Physician," 1 50 
Andree De Taverney ; or "Fifth Series of Memoirs of a Physician," 1 50 
The Chevalier. The Sequel to "Andree De Taverney," Being the 

"Sixth Book and End of the Memoirs of a Physician Series," 1 50 

The Adventures of a Marquis. By Alexander Dumas, 1 50 

The Forty-Five Guardsmen. By Alexander Dumas. Illustrated,... 1 50 
Diana of Meridor, or Lady of Monsoreau. By Alexander Dumas,... 1 50 
The Iron Hand. By Alex. Dumas, author " Count of Monte-Cristo," 1 50 

Camille; or the Fate of a Coquette. (La Dame aux Camelias,) 1 50 

The Conscript. A novel of the Days of Napoleon the First, 1 50 

Love and Liberty. A novel of the French Revolution of 1792-1793, 1 50 

THE " COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO SERIES," IN CLOTH. 

The Count of Monte-Cristo. By Alexander Dumas. Illustrated,... 1 50 

JSdmond Dantes. The Sequel to the " Count of Monte-Cristo," 1 25 

The Countess of Monte-Cristo. The Companion to "Monte-Cristo," 1 50 
The Wife of Monte-Cristo. Continuation of "Count of Monte-Cristo," 1 25 
The Son of Monte-Cristo. The Sequel to "Wife of Monte-Cfisto," 1 25 

T. S. ARTHUR'S GREAT TEMPERANCE BOOKS. 

feix Nights with the Washingtonians, Illustrated. T. S. Arthur's 
Great Temperance Stories. Large Subscription Edition, cloth, gilt, 
$3.50; Red Roan, $4.50; Full Turkey Antique, Full Gilt, 6 00 

The Latimer Family; or the Bottle and Pledge. By T. S.Arthur, cloth, 1 06 

MODEL SPEAKERS AND READERS. 

Coinstock's Elocution and Model Speaker. Intended for the use cf 
Schools, Colleges, and for private Study, for the Promotion of 
Health, Cure of Stammering, and Defective Articulation. By 
Andrew Comstock and Philip Lawrence. With 236 Illustrations.. 2 ©0 

The Lawrence Speaker. A Selection of Literary Gems in Poetry and 
Prose, designed for the use of Colleges, Schools, Seminaries, Literary 
Societies. By Philip Lawrence, Professor of Elocution. 600 pages.. 2 00 

Coinstock's Colored Chart. Being a perfect Alphabet of the English 
Language, Graphic and Typic, with exercises in Pitch, Force and 
Gesture, and Sixty-Eight colored figures, representing the various 
postures and different attitudes to be used in declamation. On a large 
Roller, Every School should have a copy of it 5 00 



Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Prior 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 



8 T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS' PUBLICATIONS. 



WORKS BY THE VERY BEST AUTHORS. 

TVie following books are each issued in one large octavo volume, bound in 
cloth, at $1.50 each, or each one is done up in paper cover, at $1.00 each. 

The Wandering Jew. By Eugene Sue. Full of Illustrations, $1 50 

Mysteries of Paris ; and its Sequel, Gerolstein. By Eugene Sue,.... 1 59 

Martin, the Foundling. By Eugene Sue. Full of Illustrations, 1 50 

Ten Thousand a Year. By Samuel Warren. With Illustrations,.... 1 50 
The following books are each issued in one large octavo volume, bound in 
cloth, at $2.00 each, or each one is done up in paper cover, at $1.50 each. 

Washington and His Generals. By George Lippard,... 2 00 

The Quaker City; or, the Monks of Monk Hall. By George Lippard, 2 00 

Blanche of Brandywine. By George Lippard, 2 00 

Paul Ardenheim; the Monk of Wissahickon. By George Lippard,. 2 00 
The Mysteries of Florence. By Geo. Lippard, author " Quaker City," 2 00 
The Pictorial Tower of London. By W. Harrison Ainsworth, 2 50 

The following are each issued in one large octavo volume, bound in cloth, price $1.50 
each, or a cheap edition is issued in paper cover, at 75 cents each. 

Charles O'Malley, the Irish Dragoon. By Charles Lever, Cloth, $1 50 

Harry Lorrequer. With his Confessions. By Charles Lever,. ..Cloth, 1 50 

Jack Hinton, the Guardsman. By Charles Lever, Cloth, 1 50 

Davenport Dunn. A Man of Our Day. By Charles Lever,. ..Cloth, 1 50 

Tom Burke of Ours. By Charles Lever, Cloth, 1 50 

The Knight of Gwynne. By Charles Lever, ..Cloth, 150 

Arthur O'Leary. By Charles Lever, Cloth, 1 50 

Con Cregan. By Charles Lever, Cloth, 1 50 

Horace Templeton. By Charles Lever, Cloth, 1 50 

Kate O'Donoghue. By Charles Lever, Cloth, 1 50 

Valentine Vox, the Ventriloquist. By Harry Cockton, Cloth, 1 50 

HUMOROUS ILLUSTRATED BOOKS. 

Each one is full of Illustrations, by Felix O. O. Barley, and bound in Cloth. 
Major Jones' Courtship and Travels. In one vol., 29 Illustrations,.$l 75 

Major Jones' Scenes in Georgia. With 16 Illustrations, 1 5f 

Swamp Doctor's Adventures in the South-West. 14 Illustrations,... 1 50 

Col. Thorpe's Scenes in Arkansaw. With 16 Illustrations, 1 50 

High Life in New York, by Jonathan Slick. With Illustrations,.... 1 50 

Piney Wood's Tavern; or, Sam Slick in Texas. Illustrated, 1 50 

Humors of Falconbridge. By J. F. Kelley. With Illustrations, ... 1 50 

Simon Suggs' Adventures and Travels. With 17 Illustrations, 1 50 

The Big Bear's Adventures and Travels. With 18 Illustrations, 1 50 

Judge Haliburton's Yankee Stories. Illustrated, 1 50 

Harry Coverdale's Courtship and Marriage. Illustrated, 1 50 

Lorrimer Littlegood. Illustrated. By author of " Frank Fairlegh," 1 50 
Neal's Charcoal Sketches. By Joseph C. Neal. 21 Illustrations,... 2 50 

Major Jones's Courtship. 21 Illustrations. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, 1 00 

Major Jones's Travels. 8 Illustrations. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, 1 00 

Major Jones's Georgia Scenes. 12 Illustrations. Paper, 75 cents, eloth, 1 00 
Bancy Cottem's Courtship. 8 Illustrations. Paper, 50 cents, cloth, 1 00 



Above Books will be sent, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price, 
by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa. 



12 T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS' PUBLICATIONS. 



Orders solicited from Booksellers, Librarians, Canvassers, News 
Agents, and all others in want of good and fast-selling 
books, which will be supplied at very Low Rates. CE ®g 



EMILE ZOLA'S NEW REALISTIC BOOKS. 

Nana! Sequel to L'Assommoir. By Emile Zola. Nana! Price 75 cents 

in paper cover, or $1.00 in morocco cloth, black and gold. Nana ! 
L'Assommoir; or, N ana's Mother. By Emile Zol<(. The Greatest Novel 

ever printed. Price 75 cents in paper cover, or $1.00 in cloth. 
The Shop Girls of Paris. With their daily Life in Large Dry Goods Stores. 

By Emile Zola, author of " Nana." Paper, 75 cents; cloth, $1.25. 
Nana's Brother. Son of '* Gervaise," of " L'Assoinmoir." By Emile Zola, 

author of "Nana." Paper, 75 cents; cloth, $1.25. 
The Joys of Life. By Emile Zola, author of " Nana," " Pot-Bouille," etc. 

Price 75 cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in morocco cloth, black and gold. 
Her Two Husbands; and Other Novelettes. By Emile Zola. Price 75 

cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in morocco cloth, black and gold. 
Pot-Bouille. By Emile Zola, author of " Nana." " Pot-Bouille." Price 

75 cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in morocco cloth, black and gold. 
Nana's Daughter. A Continuation of and Sequel to Emile Zola's Great „ 

Realistic Novel of tf Nana." Price 75 cents in paper, or $1.00 in cloth. 
The Mysteries of the Court of Louis Napoleon. By Emile Zola. Price 

75 cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in-cloth, black and gold. 
The Girl in Scarlet; or, the Loves of Silvere and Miette. By Emile Zola. 

Price 75 cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in cloth. 
Albine; or, The Abbe's Temptation. (La Faute De L'Abbe Mouret.) By 

Emile Zola. Price 75 cents in paper, or $1.25 in cloth, black and gold. 
La Belle Lisa; or, The Paris Market Girls. By Emile Zola. Price 75 

cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in morocco cloth, black and gold. 
Helene, a Love Episode; or, Une Page D' Amour. By Emile Zola. 

Price 75 cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in cloth, black and gold. 
A Mad Love; or The Abbe* and His Court. By Emile Zola. Price 75 

cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in cloth, black and gold. 
Magdalen Ferat. By Emile Zola, author of "Nana," and " L'Assoin- 

moir." Paper cover, 75 cents, or $1.25 in cloth, black and gold. 
Claude's Confession. By Emile Zola, author of " Nana," " L'Assommoir," 

u Heldne," etc. Price 75 cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in cloth. 
The Mysteries of Marseilles. By Emile Zola, author of "Nana."' Price 

75 cents in paper cover, or $1.25 in cloth, black and gold. 
In the Whirlpool. (La Curee.) By Emile Zola, author of "Nana." 

Paper cover, 75 cents; or $1.25 in cloth, black and gold. 
Therese Raquin. By Emile Zola. Paper, 75 cents; cloth, $1.00. 

ADOLPHE BELOT'S INGENIOUS NOVELS. 

The Black Venus. By Adolphe. Belot. Paper cover, 75 cents ; cloth, $1.00. 
La Grande Florine. By Adolphe Beloi. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
The Stranglers of Paris. By Adolphe Belot. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 



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T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS 1 PUBLICATIONS. 13 



PETERSONS' SQUARE 12mo. SERIES. 

The following books are printed on tinted paper, and are issued in uniform, 
style, in square 12mo. fo> m. Price 50 Cents in Paper, or $1.00 in Cloth. 

Helen's Babies. Budge and Toddie. By John Habberton. With an 
Illustrated Cover, and Portraits of " Budge" and " Toddie," and others. 

Mrs. Mayburn's Twins. With the Mother's Trials in the Morning, After- 
noon and Evening. By John Habberton, author of "Helen's Babies." 

Bertha's Baby. Equal to " Helen's Babies." Bertha's Baby. With an 
Illustrated Cover, and a Portrait of " Bertha's Baby" on it. 

The Annals of a Baby. Baby's First Gifts. Naming the Baby. The 
Baby's Party. Aunt Hannah, etc. By Mrs. Sarah Bridges Stebbins. 

Bessie's Six Lovers. With Her Reflections, Resolves, Coronation, and 
Declaration of Love. A Charming Love Story. By Henry Peterson. 

Two Kisses. A Bright and Snappy Love Story. By Hawley Smart. 

Her Second Love. A Thrilling Lite-like and Captivating Love Story. 

A Parisian Romance. Octave Feuillet's New Booh, just dramatized. 

Fa»ichon, the Cricket; or, La Petite Fadette. By George Sand. 

Two Ways to Matrimony ; or, Is it Love? or, False Pride. 

The Matchmaker. By Beatrice Reynolds. A Charming Love Story. 

The Story cf Elizabeth. By Miss Thackeray, daughter of W. M. Thackeray. 

The Amours of Philippe ; or, Philippe's Love Affairs, by Octave Feuillet. 

Sybil Brotherton. A Novel. By Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth. 

Rancy Cottem's Courtship. By author of u Major Jones's Courtship." 

Father Tom and the Pope; or, A Night at the Vatican. Illustrated. 

A Woman's Mistake; or, Jacques de Trevannes. A Charming Love Story. 

The Days of Madame Pompadour. A Romance of the Reign of Louis XV. 

The Little Countess. By Octave Feuillet, author of " Count De Camors." 

The Red Hill Tragedy. By Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth. 

The American L'Assommoir. A parody on Zola's " L'Assomnioir." 

Hyde Park Sketches. A very humorous and entertaining work. 

Miss Margery's Roses. A Charming Love Story. By Robert C. Meyers. 

Madeleine. A Charming Love Story. Jules Sandeau's Prize Novel. 

Cfirmen. By Prosper Merimee. Booh the Opera was dramatized from. 

That Girl of Mine. By the author of " That Lover of Mine." 

That Lover of Mine. By the author of " That Girl of Mine." 

PETERSONS' SQUARE 12mo. SERIES. 

The Wife of Monte-Cristo. Continuation of " Count of Monte-Cristo." 
The Son of Monte-Cristo. The Sequel to " The Wife of Monte-Cristo." 
Married Above Her. A Society Romance. By a Lady of New York. 
The Man from Texas. A Powerful Western Romance, full of adventure. 
Erring, Yet Noble. A Book of Women and for Women. By I. G. Reed. 
The Fair Enchantress; or, How She Won Men's Hearts. By Miss Keller. 
Above are in paper cover, price 75 cents each, or $1.25 each in cloth. 

Harry Coverdale's Courtship and Marriage. Paper, 75 cts.; cloth, $1.50. 
Those Pretty St. George Girls. Paper cover, 75 cents, cloth, gilt, $1.00. 
The Prairie Flower, and Leni-Leoti. Paper cover, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
Camille; or, The Fate of a Coquette. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, gilt, $1.25. 
Vidocq ! The French Detective. Illustrated. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 

All Books published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa., 
will be sent to any one, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price. 



14 T. B. PETERSON & BEOTHERS' PUBLICATIONS. 



PETERSONS' SQUARE 12mo. SERIES. 

Major Jones's Courtship. 21 Illustrations. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
Major Jones's Georgia Scenes. 12 Illustrations. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
Major Jones's Travels. 8 Illustrations. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00, 
Simon Suggs' Adventures. 10 Illustrations. Paper, 75 cts., cloth, $1.00, 
Louisiana Swamp Doctor. 6 Illustrations. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1,00. 
The Initials. 'A. Z.' By Baroness Tautphceus. Paper, 75 cts., cloth, $1.25. 
Indiana ! A Love Story. By George Sand. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
Monsieur, Madame, and the Baby. Paper cover, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
L'Evangeliste. By Alphonse Daudet. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
The Duchesse Undine. By H. Penn Diltz. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
The Hidden Record. By E. W. Blaisdell. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
Consuelo. By George Sand. Paper cover, Price 75 cents; cloth, $1.0^. 
Countess of Rudolstadt. Sequel to Consuelo, Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
The Changed Brides. By Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth. Paper, 75 cts. 
The Bride's Fate. By Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth. Paper, 75 cents. 
Self-Raised; or, From the Depths. By Mrs. Southworth. Paper, 75 cts. 
Ishmael; or, in the Depths. By Mrs. Southworth. Paper, 75 cents. 
The Fatal Marriage. By Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth. Paper, 75 cents 
The Bridal Eve; or, Rose Elmer. By Mrs. Southworth. Paper, 75 cents. 
A Russian Princess. By Emmanuel Gonzales. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
A Woman's Perils ; or, Driven from Home. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
A Fascinating Woman. By Edmond Adam. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
La Faustin. By Edmond de Goncourt. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
Monsieur Le Ministre. By Jules Claretie. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
Winning the Battle ; or, One Girl in 10,000. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
A Child of Israel. By Edouard Cadol. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
The Exiles. The Russian ' Robinson Crusoe.' Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
My Hero. A Love Story. By Mrs. Forrester. Paper, 75 cts., cloth, $1.00. 
Paul Hart; or, The Love of His Life. Paper cover, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
Mildred's Cadet; or, Hearts and Bell-Buttons. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
Bellah. A Love Story. By Octave Feuillet. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
Sabine's Falsehood. A Love Story. Paper, price 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
Linda ; or, The Young Pilot of the Belle Creole. Paper, 7 5 cts., cloth, $1.25. 
The Woman in Black. Illustrated Cover. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
Madame Bovary. By Gustave Flaubert. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 
The Count de Camors. By Octave Feuillet. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25, 
How She Won Him ! A Love Story. Paper cover, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25, 
Angele's Fortune. By Andre Theuriet. Paper cover, 75 cents, cloth, $1.25, 
St. Maur ; or, An Earl's Wooing. Paper cover, price 75 cents, cloth, $1.25. 
The Prince of Breffny. By Thomas P. May. Paper, 7* cents, cloth, $1.50. 
The Earl of Mayfield. By Thomas P. May. Paper, 75 cents, cloth, $1.00. 

THE "COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO SERIES." 

The Count of Monte-Cristo. Illustrated. Paper cover, $1.00, cloth, $1 .50, 
Edmond Dantes. Sequel to " Monte-Cristo." Paper, 75 cts., cloth, $1.25. 
The Countess of Monte-Cristo. Paper cover, $1.00, morocco cloth, $1.50. 
The Wife of Monte-Cristo. Paper cover, 75 cents, morocco cloth, $1.25. 
The Son of Monte-Cristo. Paper cover, 75 cents, morocco cloth, $1.25. 



Ail Books published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa., 
will be sent to any one, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price. 



T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS' PUBLICATIONS. 15 



HENRY GREVILLE'S CHARMING NOVELS. 

Dosia. A Russian Story. By Henry Greville, author of "Markof." 
Saveli's Expiation. A Powerful Russian Story. By Henry GrSville. 
Tania's Peril. A Russian Love Story. By Henry Greville. 
Sonia. A Love Story. By Henry Greville, author of "Dosia." 
Lucie Rodey. A Charming Society Novel. By Henry Greville. 
Bonne-Marie. A Tale of Normandy and Paris. By Henry GreVille. 
Xenie's Inheritance. A Tale of Russian Life. By Henry Greville. 
Dournof. A Russian Story. By Henry Greville, author of "Dosia." 
Main'zelle Eugenie. A Russian Love Story. By Henry Grtville. 
Gabrielle; or, The House of Maureze. By Henry Greville. 
A Friend; or, "L'Arni." By Henry Greville, author of "Dosia." 

Above are in paper cover, price 50 cents each, or in cloth, at $1.00 each. 
Marrying Off a Daughter. A Love Story. By Henry Greville. 
Sylvie's Betrothed. A Charming Novel. By Henry Greville. 
Philomene's Marriages. A Love Story. By Henry Greville. 
Guy's Marriage; also Pretty Little Countess Zina. By Henry GrSville. 

Above are in paper cover, price 75 cents each, or in cloth, at $1.25 each. 

The Trials of Rafssa. By Henry Greville, author of " Dosia." 
The Princess Ogherof. A Love Story. By Henry Greville. 
Above are in paper cover, price 75 cents each, or in cloth, at $1.00 each. 

Markof, the Russian Violinist. Paper cover, 75 cents; cloth, $1.50. 

MRS. F. H. BURNETT'S NOVELLETTES. 

Kathleen. A Love Story. By author of "That Lass o" Lowries." 
Theo. A Love Story. By author of " Kathleen," " Miss Crespigny," etc, 
Lindsay's Luck. A Love Story. By Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett. 
Pretty Polly Pemberton. By author of " Kathleen," " Theo," etc. . 
A Quiet Life. By Mrs. Burnett, author of " That Lass o* Lowries." 
Miss Crespigny. A Charming Love Story. By author of "Kathleen." 
Jarl's Daughter and Other Novelettes. By Mrs. Burnett. 

Above are in paper cover, price 50 cents each, or in cloth, at $1.00 each. 

BOOKS BY AUTHOR OF 'A HEART TWICE WON.' 

A Heart Twice Won; or, Second Love. A Love Story. By Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Van Loon. Morocco cloth, black and gold. Price $1.50. 

Under the Willows; or, The Three Countesses. By Mrs. Elizabeth. Van 
Loon, author of "A Heart Twice Won." Cloth, and gold. Price $1.50. 

The Shadow of Hampton Mead. A Charming Story. By Mrs. Elizabeth 
Van Loon, author of "A Heart Twice Won." Cloth. Price $1.50. 

The Mystery of Allanwold. A Thrilling Novel. By Mrs. Elizabeth Van 
Loon, author of "A Heart Twice Won." Cloth, and gold. Price $1.50 

The Last Athenian. By Victor Rydberg. Translated from the Swedish. 
Large 12mo. volume, near 600 pages, cloth, black and gold, price $1.75. 

The Roman Traitor; or, The Days of Cicero, Cato, and Cataline. A Tale 
of the Republic. By Henry William Herbert. Morocco cloth, pric* $ 1 .75. 

Francatelli's Modern Cook Book for 1886. Enlarged Edition. Wirh the 
most approved methods of French, English, German, and Italian Cook- 
ery. With 62 Illustrations. 600 pages, morocco cloth, price $5.00. 



All Books published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa., 
will be sent to any one, postage paid, on receipt of Retail Price. 



Humorous American Works, 

Pull of Illustrations by Darley, and in Illustrated Covers. 



The Books on this page are the Funniest in the world, and arc 
for sale by all Booksellers and by the Publishers, 

2. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, PHILADELPHIA * 



THE FOLLOWING ARE SEVENTY- FIFE CENTS EACH. 
biAJOR JONES'S COURTSHIP. With 21 full page Illustrations by Darley 
MAJOR JONES'S TRAVELS. Full of Illustrations by Darley. 
MAJOR JONES'S GEORGIA SCENES. Illustrated by Darley. 
SIMON SUGGS' ADVENTURES. By Johnson J. Hooper, Illustrated. 
THE LOUISIANA SWAMP DOCTOR. Full of Illustrations by Darley. 

The above are also issued) bound in cloth, price One Dollar Each, 

WILD WESTERN SCENES ; OR, LIFE ON THE PRAIRIE. Illustrated. 

THE BIG BEAR OF ARKANSAS. By T. B. Thorpe. Illustrated by Darley 

YANKEE AMONG THE MERMAIDS. By William E. Burton. 

THE MYSTERIES OF THE BACKWOODS. By T. B. Thorpe. 

QUARTER RACE IN KENTUCKY. With Illustrations by Darley. 

WIDOW RUGBY'S HUSBAND. By Johnson J. Hooper. Fail of Illustrations 

STREAKS OF SQUATTER LIFE AND WILD WESTERN SCENES. 

CHARCOAL SKETCHES. By Joseph C. Neal. Illustrated. 

THE DRAMA IN POKERVILLE. By J. M. Field. Illustrated. 

POLLY PEABLOSSOM'S WEDDING. With Illustrations. 

PICKINGS FROM THE NEW ORLEANS PICAYUNE. Illustrated. 

STRAY SUBJECTS ARRESTED AND BOUND OVER. Illustrated. 

FETER FABER'S MISFORTUNES. By Joseph C. Neal. Illustrated. 

PETER PLODDY AND OTHER ODDITIES. By Joseph C. Neal. 

NEW ORLEANS SKETCH BOOK. With Illustrations by Darley. 

THE DEERSTALKERS. By Frank Forester. Illustrated. 

THE QUORNDON HOUNDS. By Frank Forester. Illustrated. 

MY SHOOTING BOX. By Frank Forester. Illustrated. 

THE WARWICK WOODLANDS. By Frank Forester. Illustrated. 

ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN FARRAGO. By H, H. Brackenridge. 

ADVENTURES OF MAJOR O'REGAN. By H. H. Brackenridge. 

SOL SMITH'S THEATRICAL APPRENTICESHIP. Illustrated. 

SOL SMITH'S THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK. Illustrated. 

PERCIVAL MAYBERRY'S ADVENTURES. By J. H. Ingraham. 

SAM SLICK'S YANKEE YARNS AND YANKEE LETTERS. 

ADVENTURES OF FUDGE FUMBLE AND HIS LOVE SCRAPES. 

AUNT PATTY'S SCRAP BAG. By Mrs. Caroline Lee Hentz. 

ABOVE BOOKS ARE SEVENTY-FI VE CENTS EACH 

RANCY COTTEM'S COURTSHIP. By author of" Major Jones's Courtship/ 

Illustrated. Price 50 cents in paper cover, or $1.00 in cloth. 
FOLLOWING THE DRUM. By Mrs. Gen. Viele. Price 50 cents. 
THE AMERICAN JOE MILLER. With Engravings. Price 50 cent* 



p3ff~ Copies of any one, or more, or all of the above works, will be sent ic 
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Mrs. Ann S, Stephen s 1 Works 

23 Volumes, at $1.50 each.; or $34.50 a Set. 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, No. 306 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa., 
have just published an entire new, complete, and uniform edition of all the works writ- 
ten by Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, the popular American Authoress. This edition is in 
duodecimo form, is printed on the finest paper, is complete in twenty-three volumes, and 
each volume is bound in morocco cloth, library style, with a full gilt back, and is sold at 
the low price of $1.50 each, or $34.50 for a full and complete set of the twenty-three vol- 
umes. Every Family, Reading Club, and every Private or Public Library in this 
country, should have in it a complete set of this new and beautiful edition of the 
works of Mrs. Ann S. Stephens. The following are the names of the volumes : 

FASHION AND FAMINE, THE REIGNING BELLE, 

BERTHA'S ENGAGEMENT. MARRIED IN HASTE. 

BELLEHOOD AND BONDAGE; or, Bought with a Price. 

LORD HOPE'S CHOICE; or, More Secrets Than One. 
THE OLD COUNTESS. Sequel to "Lord Hope's Choice." 
RUBY GRAY'S STRATEGY; or, Married by Mistake. 

PALACES AND PRISONS; or, The Prisoner of the Bastile. 
A NOBLE WOMAN ; or, A Gulf Between Them. 
THE CURSE OF GOLD; or, The Bound Girl and The Wife's Trials. 
MABEL'S MISTAKE; or, The Lost Jewels. 

THE OLD HOMESTEAD ; or, The Pet of the Poor House. 
THE REJECTED WIFE; or, The Ruling Passion. 
SILENT STRUGGLES; or, Barbara Stafford. A Tale of Witchcraft. 
THE HEIRESS; or, The Gipsy's Legacy. 
THE WIFE'S SECRET ; or, Gillian. 

WIVES AND WIDOWS; or, The Bfoken Life. 
DOUBLY FALSE; or, Alike and Not Alike. 

THE SOLDIER'S ORPHANS. THE GOLD BRICK. 

MARY DERWENT. NORSTON'S REST. 

Above books are for sale by all Booksellers at $1.50 each, or $34.50 for a com- 
plete set of the twenty-three volumes. Copies of either one or more of the above books 
or a complete set of them, will be sent at once to any one, to any place, postal 
-prepaid, or free of freight, on remitting their price in a letter to the Publishers, 
T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, J**> 



HENRY 6REVILLEJS GREAT BOOKS, 

Henry Greville 's superb novels, all of wkich are published by T. B. Peterson 6 s * 
Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa., hold a deservedly high rank. They are certainly among 
the finest love ro??iances extant and possess extraordinary interest, while displaying 
great power, a thorough knowledge of human nature, rare descriptive ability and a 
pervading vein of humor as enjoyable as it is subtle. Madame Greville lived a num- 
ber of years in Russia, and her Russian novels are vastly admired. 77ie Messrs, 
Petersons' 1 translations were made expressly for them by well-known and able transla- 
tors, some of them in Paris under Madame Greville 's supervision, and are faithful 
reproductions of the originals, retaining all the distinguishing traits of Madame 
Greville' s peculiarly agreeable style, a style unsurpassed by that of any other celebrated 
French author. They should be read by everybody. Following are their names : 

DOSIA. A Russian Story, Crowned by the French Academy. 
SAVELPS EXPIATION. (V Expiation de Sav'eli.) 
SONIA. A Story of Home Life in Russia, 

LUCIE RODEY; or, The Wife and Mother Faithful unto Death. 
MAM'ZELLE EUGENIE. A Russian Love Story. 
DOURNOF. (La Mania,) A Graphic Story of Russian Life. 
BONNE-MARIE. A Tale of Normandy and Paris. 
XENIE'S INHERITANCE. (V Heritage de XenieO 
GABRIELLE; or, La Maison de Maureze. 

TANIA'S PERIL. (A Travers Champs,) A Russian Story. 
A FRIEND. (UAmie.) A Novel of Every -day Life in Paris. 

Above books are 50 cents each in paper cover, or $1.00 in cloth. 
PRETTY LITTLE COUNTESS ZINA. (Les Koumiassine.) 
MARRYING OFF A DAUGHTER. (Marier Sa Fille.) 
SYLVIE'S BETROTHED. (Le Fiance de Silvie.) 
PHILOMENE'S MARRIAGES. (Marriages de Philomene.) 
GUY'S MARRIAGE. (Madame de Dreux.) A Woman's Life. 

Above boohs are 75 cents each in popper cover, or $1.25 in cloth. 
THE TRIALS OF RAISSA. {Les Epreuves de Ra'issa.) 
THE PRINCESS OGHEROF. (La Princesse Ogherof) 

Above books are 75 cents each in paper cover, or $1.00 in cloth. 
MARKOF. (Le Violin Russe.) One large volume, cloth, $1.50. 

Above books are for sale by all Booksellers, at all News Stands everywhere, and 
on all Rail-Road Trains, or copies of any one, or all of the books, will be sent to any one, 
at once, per mail, post-paid, on remitting the price of the ones ivanted to the Publishers, 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, Pa. 



Mrs. Southworth's Works. 

EACH IS IN ONE LARGE DUODECIMO VOLUME, MOROCCO CLOTH, GILT BACK, PRICE $1.50 EACH. 
Copies of all or any will be sent post-paid, to any place, on receipt of remittances. 

ISHMAEL ; or, IN THE DEPTHS. (Being " Self-Made ; or, Out of Depths.") 
SELF-RAISED ; or, From the Depths. The Sequel to " Ishmael." 
THE PHANTOM WEDDING; or, The Fall of the House of Flint. 
THE " MOTHER-IN-LAW;" or, MARRIED IN HASTE. 
THE MISSING BRIDE; or, MIRIAM, THE AVENGER. 
VICTOR'S TRIUMPH. The Sequel to "A Beautiful Fiend." 
A BEAUTIFUL FIEND; or, THROUGH THE FIRE. 
THE LADY OF THE ISLE; or, THE ISLAND PRINCESS. 
FAIR PLAY; or, BRITOMARTE, THE MAN-HATER, 
HOW HE WON HER. The Sequel to " Fair Play." 
THE CHANGED BRIDES; or, Winning Her Way. 
THE BRIDE'S FATE. The Sequel to "The Changed Brides." 
CRUEL AS THE GRAVE; or, Hallow Eve Mystery. 
TRIED FOR HER LIFE. The Sequel to " Cruel as the Grave." 
THE CHRISTMAS GUEST; or, The Crime and the Curse. 
THE LOST HEIR OF LINLITHGOW; or, The Brothers. 
A NOBLE LORD. The Sequel to " The Lost Heir of Linlithgow." 
THE FAMILY DOOM; or, THE SIN OF A COUNTESS. 
THE MAIDEN WIDOW. The Sequel to "The Family Doom." 
THE GIPSY'S PROPHECY; or, The Bride of an Evening. 
THE FORTUNE SEEKER; or, Astrea, The Bridal Day. 
THE THREE BEAUTIES; or, SHANNONDALE. 
FALLEN PRIDE; or, THE MOUNTAIN GIRL'S LOVE. 
THE DISCARDED DAUGHTER; or, The Children of the Isle. 
THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS; or, HICKORY HALL. 
THE TWO SISTERS; or, Virginia and Magdalene. 
THE FATAL MARRIAGE ■ or, ORVILLE DEVILLE. 
INDIA; or, THE PEARL OF PEARL RIVER. THE CURSE OF CLIFTON. 

THE WIDOW'S SON; or, LEFT ALONE. THE WIFE'S VICTORY. 
THE MYSTERY OF DARK HOLLOW. THE SPECTRE LOVER. 

ALLWORTH ABBEY; or, EUDORA. THE ARTIST'S LOVE. 

THE BRIDAL EVE; or, ROSE ELMER. THE FATAL SECRET. 

VIVIA; or, THE SECRET OF POWER. LOVE'S LABOR WON. 

THE HAUNTED HOMESTEAD. THE LOST HEIRESS. 

BRIDE OF LLEWELLYN. THE DESERTED WIFE. RETRIBUTION. 

70t* Mrs. Southworth's works will be found for sale by all first-class Booksellers. 
7$*^ Copies of any one, or more of Mrs. Southworth's works, will be sent to any place, 
at once, per mail, post-paid, on remitting price of the ones wanted to the Publishers, 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, Pa. 



A Bohemian Tragedy. 



BY 




"A Bohemian Tragedy" written by Miss Lily Curry, a prominent New York 
literary lady, is destined to create an immediate and profound sensation, and to be 
read with avidity everywhere. Not only is it an unusually absorbing, bright and 
clever novel, but also a piquant and trenchant revelation of the inner workings of 
literary Bohemia as found in New York city, and of the peculiar eccentricities char- 
acterizing certain writers for the press and contributors to tlfe general literature of 
the day, Lilcey Wilce, the heroine, finds herself struggling to obtain a foothold as 
a writer in the great metropolis. She has beauty and talent, but lacks influential 
friends. Mrs. Elinor Vane-Gleason introduces her to Winthrop Coutts, one of 
those ready litterateurs known as "all Woutid writers," who has met with considera- 
ble success, and who undertakes to make her known to publishers and such people as 
can advance her interests. Coutts immediately falls in love zuith Lilcey. She re- 
turns his passion and promptly finds herself in a sea of trouble. This pitiful love 
story is the main theme of the novel, and the complications it gives rise to, si/pple- 
mented by Coutts'' cowardice and vacillating nature, bring on a series of scenes of an 
intensely emotional and stirring description, sometimes fraught with a tender pathos 
very difficult to resist. Lilcey and Coutts are directly in the whirl of metropolitan 
Bohemianism, and, of course, meet hosts of literary men and women who are de- 
scribed in detail, for?ning a gallery of portraits of prominent lights of journalism 
and general literature exceedingly interesting to contemplate. Lt goes without saying 
that multitudinous guesses will be made as to the originals of these portraits and tha. 
public curiosity will thereby be directed to "A Bohe?nian Tragedy" in a manner 
well calculated to give it unusual prominence and an enormous circulation. Fore- 
most among these portraitures is that of a well-known and mtich-admired poetess, 
who, under the name of Elinor Vane- Gleason, pervades the romance, proving her- 
self the possessor of a great heart and deep human feeling as well as of talents of a 
high order in her walk of literature. In Vashti Vallemere a glimpse is given of a 
"coming tragedienne," and numerous literary receptions are described in a breezy, 
chatty way particularly delightful. Many people fond of the society of zuriters are 
also referred to, so that everybody will find some familiar or appareittly familiar 
personage to ponder and puzzle over. The novel is very spiritedly and agreeably 
written, and moves straight along -from beginning to end without digression or pad- 
ding. Its entire originality and pronounced 7nerit desei've and undoubtedly will 
receive full recognition. "A Bohemian Iragedy," in short, cannot be praised too 
highly, as all who read it will readily admit. It is a romance, too, that will last, 
and its perusal at any time will delight any who may take it up. 



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ittle Heartsease. 

BY 

Annie L- Wright. 



"Little Heartsease" by Annie L. Wright, is a delightful, catchy romance certain 
to captivate all who read it. Essentially a home novel, it deals in a masterly way 
with American domestic life of the present time, touching upon contemporaneous 
society of the higher grade and bringing in most of the refined pastimes of the day. 
It is somewhat in the style of Rhoda Broughton, and as bright, breezy, clever, amu- 
sing and pathetic as anything that brilliant English fiovelist ever wrote. 7 he char- 
acters are mostly young people, and very sprightly young people they are, too, though 
many older personages are brought in to fill up the background appropriately. The 
Raymonds are the central figures, attd about them all the others revolve. Little 
Pansy, the her'oijie, with her dogs and pets, leaps at once into the reader's heart and 
maintains her position there all through the charming novel. She is a vivacious 
young lady of pronounced individuality, full of vim, energy, spirit and humor, 
though fidelity is her distinguishing trait, and rare fidelity it is. The interest she 
excites is peculiar and deep. It never lags, but increases as the romance moves on, 
and in the exciting and pathetic passages towards the close is intense. The lively 
boys and girls of the earlier part of the novel meet with varied experiences, some par- 
ticularly stirring and touching. Love, of course, is a prime factor in the narrative ; 
there is love that runs smoothly and love that doesn't, but it is all of the genuine stamp. 
What little villany is in the book is hinted at rather than expressed, and is, at most, 
but a vague, passing vision. Jack's infirmity leads to much that is vastly creditable 
to the higher human sympathies, and the mystery surrounding Alan Dunstan is 
well handled. Portia and Prim are very pleasing girls, and matronly Rose is de- 
liciously portrayed. Hal, Bob, Hugh, Ralph and the rest are agreeable and manly, 
and Dad, the father of the Raymonds, is an exceptionally attractive perso7iage, while 
old colored "Auntie" lender and faithful, rises to the rank of a positive creation, the 
scene in which she rouses Pansy's dor??iant tears in order to save her life being a 
perfect triumph of the novelist's art. The sensational element fi?ids abundant exem- 
plificatio7i in Jack's accident. Altogether, "Little Heartsease" is a most masterly 
and absorbing novel. It will certainly make a pronounced hit, for it deserves to be 
widely read and certainly will be. 

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Not His Daughter. 

AN AMERICAN NOVEL. 

By Will H erbert. 



"Not His Daughter" a new American romance of the present time, by Will Her- 
bert, deserves more than a passing notice, for it is an unusually bright, clever and 
pleasing novel. The interest is pronounced and continuous, while the breezy, grace- 
ful way in which the book is written is peculiarly charming. 1 here is just villainy 
enough in the well-constructed plot to furnish the necessary quota of melodrama, and 
sufficient humor of quite an unstrained and agreeable quality is introduced to lighten 
the shadows and keep the reader in a comfortable state of mind. Those who relish 
love stories will find this delightful fiction entirely to their liking, as the tender pas- 
sion and its votaries figure largely in it. Frank Harper's romantic though hopeless 
adoration of Violet Frone and his heroic sacrifice upon the altar of friendship are 
wonderfully pathetic and touching. Professor Darcy is a scientist who does not scorn 
to entertain Cupid as a welcome guest, even if the little god is at first disposed to tip 
his arrows witJi gall and bitterness. Charley Chanwood's joyous disposition and 
inability to keep from falling in love with every fresh young feminine face he encoun- 
ters make him a fruitful source of amusement. His fun is perfectly irrepressible and 
breaks out perpetually . Violet Frone, with the dark cloua hovering over her, and 
blythe Grace Harper are very effectively drawn, and in strong contrast with them is 
Fmma Stannel, who, under the guidance of her managing mamma, is constantly on 
the watch to catch a rich admirer and inveigle him into matrimony. Augustus 
Frone is well pictured, as also are Hatton and Kift, the lazvyers. Bill Norton, an 
irreclaimable drunkard and an unscrupulous scoundrel, who, in order to obtain 
money, does not hesitate to attempt robbery, is very cleverly delineated, and Aunt 
Tabitha, Mrs. Sanders, "Bowls" Watson, Airs. Donovan and the rest fill their 
places appropriately. Kiffs conspiracy is a shrewd and knavisli transaction, and 
the manner in which it is eventually thwarted is both ingenious ana dramatic. 
There are many powerful and thrilling scenes, among which may be named Norton'' s 
midnight meeting with his wife, Hatton'' s experience in the "Sailors' Retreat" and 
Quearts disclosure of his identity ; indeed, the latter is one of the strongest and most 
original incidents to be found either in fiction or the drama. "Not His Daughter" 
is a wholesome as well as an interesting and entertaining romance. It is compact 
and entirely devoid of extraneous matter, while the action goes straight on. That it 
is an excellent piece of work cannot be denied. It deserves success, and should be 
read everyivhere and by everybody. 



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■* 

ALEXANDER DUMAS' GREATEST WORK. 



COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO. 

Petersons' New Illustrated Edition.— Complete and Unabridged. 

BY ALEXANDER DUMAS. 

author of "the three guardsmen," " bragelonne, the son of athos," " the chevalier,*" 
"twenty years after," "the iron mask," "the queen's necklace," " camille,'* 
" louise la valliere," " six years later," "the countess of charny," 
"the forty-five guardsmen," " the iron hand," " the conscript," 
"adventures of a marquis," "memoirs of a physician," 
"andree de taverney" "the corsican brothers." 



" The Coitnt of Monte Cristo" by Alexander Dumas, is in the highest sense of the 
term a masterpiece. No novel has ever approached it or can compare with it for ab- 
sorbing interest, weird fascination and thrilling intensity. From the arrival of the 
ship " Pharaon" in the first chapter to the very last line of the wonderful romance 
there is a subtle charm, a spell of enchantment, that no one can resist. Edmond Danies 
enchains attention from the moment of his first appearance, so naturally, vividly and 
powerfully is he depicted. The interrupted marriage-feast, the sailor -lover 's long years 
of terrible captivity in the gloomy and tomblike Chateau d'lfi his marvellous experi- 
ence with the Abbe Faria and his daring escape, all are described with rare felicity 
and strength. The succeeding portions of the great romance seem like a bewildering 
dream, but a dream that has method in it and is rational to the last degree. The dis- 
covery of the countless treasures hidden by Cardinal Spada, the transformation of 
D antes to the Count of Monte- Cristo, and the latter ' j unswerving pursuit and relent- 
less punishment of his enemies form a com bination of the strongest and most startling 
elements that can be conceived. The remarkable romance covers an exceedingly wide 
field, and may properly be styled a whirl of intense excitement. The men represent 
all grades of intelligence, goodness and iniquity, while the women are equally varied. 
They figure in myriads of scenes wrought up to the highest point of dramatic effect, 
and over everything the incalculable wealth of the Count of Monte- Cristo and the im- 
penetrable mysteries surrounding him fling a lurid glare that heightens the strange 
beauty of the picture. " The Count of Monte- Cristo " is a novel that everybody must 
read, and no one who once begins it can be persuaded to lay it aside until the last word 
is reached. The popular " Monte- Cristo Series" consists of "The Count of Monte- 
Cristo," "The Wife of Monte- Cristo," "The Son of Monte- Cristo," "The Countess of 
Monte- Cristo" and " Edmond D antes," the Sequel to "The Count of Monte- Cristo," 
all published by T. B. Peterson dr 9 Brothers. Everybody should read these books. 



Paper Cover, $1.00. Morocco Cloth, Gilt and Black, $1.50. 



^T"The Count of Monte- Cristo," as well as "The Wife of Monte- Cristo," "The 
Sen of Monte- Cristo" "The Countess of Monte- Cristo " and "Edmond Dantes," the 
Sequel to "The Count of Monte- Cristo," will all be found for sale by all Booksellers, 
and at all News Stands everyivhere, and 071 all Railroad Trains, or copies of either 
one or all of them will be sent to any one, to any place, at once, post-paid, on remitting 
the price of the ones wanted to the publishers, 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, Pa. 



A Companion to " The Count of Monte-Cristo." 



The Countess of Monte-Cristo 

BEING THE COMPANION TO 

ALEXANDER DUMAS' 

CELEBRATED NOVEL OF 

THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO. 



"The Countess of Monte-Cristo'''' is a masterpiece that only Alexander Dumas or a 
writer of equal power could have produced. It is the companion to "The Count of 
Monte-Cristo" and will take rank with that immortal ro??iance. Its strength, 
intensity and originality are unsurpassed. Every scene is vivid and dramatic in the 
highest degree. The interest throughout is absorbing, and while every legitimate ele- 
ment of fiction is made use of not a single hacfoieyed idea or incident is introduced. 
From the very first line the great novel deals in the unexpected, but while everything is 
highly wrought, nothing is strained or ultra sensational. The plot is exceedingly com- 
plicated, but natural and artistic as well, and the action goes straight 011 without 
pause or digression. There is not a page that does not have its special interest, not a 
character that is not lifelike and forcible. Love, crime and my stay form the basis of 
the thrilling romance. Vice is shown in lofty and lowly stations, mercilessly dissected 
with a realism worthy of Zola, and ultimately either punished or reformed. Social 
deformity is stripped of its glare and glitter, and successful villainy in the end finds an 
antagonist it cannot cope with. In the great work the Count of Monte-Cristo, 
Hay dee, the wife of Monte-Cristo, Esperance, the son of Monte-Cristo, and the Countess 
of Monte-Cristo all appear, ivhile Mercedes and Albert de Morcerf are also introduced. 
The astounding career of the Countess is pictured with telling effectiveitess, and her 
strange exploits absolutely enchain the reader. She pervades the entire novel, utterly 
defying detection by means of her various disguises and transformations until all the 
tangled threads are straightened out and the author sees fit to make the necessary 
explanations. Of course everybody that has read " The Count of Monte-Cristo " will 
read "The Countess of Monte-Cristo" and the verdict in its favor will be both enthu- 
siastic and conclusive. The superb romance cannot be too highly recommended. 

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%££t'"7he Countess of Monte-Cristo'''' will be found for sale by all Booksellers, 
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T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, Fa. 



Continuation of " The Count of Monte-Cristo." 



The Wife of Monte-Cristo. 

BEING THE CONTINUATION OF 

ALEXANDER DUMAS' 

CELEBRATED NOVEL OF 

THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO, 



"The Wife of Monte-Cristo" is the continuation of Alexander Dumas' tuorld- 
f anions novel, " The Count of Monte-Cristo." It is a romance of wonde?ful power and 
absorbing interest. Full of startling and dramatic incidents and literally crowded 
ivith surprises, it presents thrilling episode after thrilling episode, and is all action, 
excitement and novelty. It is utterly impossible to foresee the course of events, the 
results attending the hosts of reckless and almost superhuman adventures, so deftly is 
the intense narrative fra?ned and so skilfully is the elaborate and intricate plot con- 
structed. The Count of Mo7ite-Cristo again appears in this volume with all his stu- 
pendous wealth, and the air of mystery thrown around him adds vastly to the rare 
fascination of the character, one of the most remarkable personages ever introduced 
into fiction. His manliness, goodness and desire to boiefit humanity are vividly 
depicted, and, whether aiding in the liberation of Italy from the oppressor's yoke or 
searching for Mercedes" son among the fanatical Arabs in Africa, he fully maintains 
his prestige, and firmly rivets attention. Hay dee, his wife, with all her beauty and 
grace, fills an important role, while Esperance, his son, proves himself a hero worthy 
of the grand name he bears. Mercedes, Madame Danglars, Valentine de Villefort, 
Monsieur de Villefort, Benedetto, formerly Prince Cavalcanti, and other characters 
figuring in " The Count of Monte-Cristo " are brought upon the scene and inseparabl) 
interwoven in the novel. Where all is so strong and impressive it is difficult to point 
cut episodes of special excellence, but reference may be made to the scettes attending 
the production of Ticellinis new opera at La Scala, Milan, and the wild incidents char- 
acterizing the subsequent insurrection, as well as to Monte-Cristo 's terrible experience 
with the Khouans in the Algei"ian citadel of Ouargla and Benedetto 's escape fr om the 
galleys at Toulon duri7ig the mistral. " The Wife of Monte-Cristo " is without doubi 
one of the greatest novels ever published. That everybody will read it is a foregone ctn 
elusion. All who have read " The> Count of Monte-Cristo " should read it at once. 

Paper Cover, 75 Cents. Morocco Cloth, Gilt and Black, $1.25. 

70^* "The Wife of Monte-Cristo" will be found for sale by all Booksellers, at 
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T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, Pa 



The Sequel to " The Wife of Monte-Cristo." 



The Son of Monte-Cristo. 

BEING THE SEQUEL TO 

The Wife of Monte-Cristo, 

AND END OF THE CONTINUATION TO 

The Count of Monte-Cristo, by Alexander Dumas. 

"The Son of Monte-Cristo" is the sequel to "The Wife of Monte-Cristo," and is the 
jnd of the continuation to Alexander Dumas' 1 greatest novel, "The Count of Monte- 
Cristo" It is destined to be the literary sensation of the day, for from first to last it 
fairly bristles with excitement truly extraordinary, and overflows with the most thril- 
ling scenes and episodes ever- found in a masterpiece of fiction. Power and intensity 
characterize every page, while the flow of incidents is such that the reader is lost in as- 
tonishment. Not the slightest breathing spell is allowed, for the action never pauses a 
mo?nent and adventure succeeds adventure with a rapidity that is acttially startling, 
everything being new, brilliant, vigorous, and fascinating, with not a single hackneyed 
idea or scene. Of course, the main interest centres in Esperance, Monte-Cristo 's son, 
whose eventful life is vividly pictured from boyhood to the final catastrophe. 1 he daring 
child^s struggle with the Sultan on the oasis in the desert is a scene of great spirit that 
will not soon be forgotten, a7td the young man's adventures while striving to rescue 
fane Zeld from the clutches of the villains who hold her in their ruthless grasp are 
stirring in the highest degree. Esperance ' s love for Jane is depicted with rare felicity 
and effect, and will certainly touch the heart of every sympathetic reader. Benedetto 
and Sanselme, the escaped convicts, figure prominently in this portion of the narrative, 
while Danglars, so familiar to the admirers of "The Count of Monte-Cristo" partici- 
pates in deeds of the blackest nature. Fanfar also is introduced, and a glimpse is 
given of Mercedes. Hay dee, Monte-Cristo 's wife, gives her thrilling experience in the 
slave bazaar at Constantinople, from which she was rescued by her extraordinary hus- 
band. The love affair of G outran and Carmen also enchai7is attention, the girl being 
of material advantage in unwinding some of the tangled complications of the splen- 
didly conceived plot. "The Son of Monte-Cristo" deserves to be read by everybody, 
and, of course, it will be. It cannot fail to delight both young and old, especially those 
who have read " The Count of Monte-Cristo." 

Paper Cover, 75 Cents. Morocco Cloth, Gilt and Black, $1.25. 

Tp^* "2 'he Son of Monte-Cristo" will be found for sale by all Booksellers, at 
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COMICAL EPISODES IX AX "OLD MAID'S" LIFE. 



Karan Kringle's Journal 



WITH 21 FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS. 
BY MISS KAKATsT KEINGLE. 

(OF KLODSVILLE, OHIO.) 




Everybody seemed tu be glad when supper-time come and stirred around purty lively tu git their 
places. Now I was lottin' on havin' a good cup of tea, for it was tu be made in my silver teapot. I 
always take my tea clear; I think puttin' any fixin's in spoils it completely. I was waited on first, 
and I took my teaspoon and sipt a little jest tu wet my lips, and git 'em ready for business. But laws ! 
of all medicine I ever tasted that tea was the worst! I couldn't swaller the mouthful I took, so I got 
my pocket-handkercher out slyly and held it tu my mouth and in that way got rid of it. I watched 
the rest of the folks what took t±a tu see how it went down with them, and I see 'em all act in purty 
much the same manner, Miss Hiflie among the rest. "My!" she said ; " what under the sun ails 
this tea?" Then she called the hired gal, Sue Jenkins, and asked her about it, and she said it was the 
same tea they'd been usin' for three weeks past. " Then the trouble must be either in the water or the 
teapot," says Miss Hiflie, and she had some of the water brought out of the teakettle and tasted it, 
but that was all right, and so the silver teapot had tu be examined next, and there, stuck tu the bottom, 
was a square piece of brown soap, left in when washin' it, and the mystery was cleared up. 

One Volume, Duodecimo, bound in Morocco Cloth, Gilt and Black, $1.50. 

" Karan Kringle's Journal 71 is for sale by all Booksellers, at all News Stands, 
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T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, Pa. 

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PETERSON'S MAGAZINE 

*"3SL^K5S f L "The Forget-Me-Not." 

II. Engraving, "Angel of Paradise." 

III. Extra Copy of Magazine, 1886. 



below), or all three will 
be given for certain 
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A Supplement will be given in every number for 1886, containing a full-size pattern for a 
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^UNPARALLELED OFFERS TO CLUBS.^ 

2 Conies for 50 f With a copy of "The Forget-Me-Not," an illustrated album, or a 

3 K u 4*50 "l costly steel-engraving, "Angel of Paradise," to the person getting up 

I the club. 

4 Copies for $6.50 J With an extra copy of the Magazine for 1886, as a premium, to the 

6 " " 9.00 j person getting up the club. 

5 Cooies for JB»8 00 ( With both an extra copy of the Magazine Tor 1886, and " The Forget- 

7 " « in \ Me-Not," or the premium picture, *• Angel of Paradise," to the person 

au.ov | getting up the club. 

FOR LARGER CLUBS STILL GREATER INDUCEMENTS! 

Address, post-paid, 

CHARLES J. PETERSON, 

306 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

$SF"Specimens sent gratis, if written for, to get up clubs with. 



MONTE-CRISTO'S DAUGHTER 

Petersons 9 Editions of "Monte-Cristo Series." 



MONTE-CRISTO'S DAUGHTER. Sequel to Alexander Dumas' Cele- 
brated Novel of "The Count of Monte-Cristo" and Conclusion of "Edmond 
Dantes." With an Illustrated Cover, with Portrait of " Monte- Cristo' s Daugh- 
ter, Zuleika" on it. Every person that has read "The Count of Monte- Crista " 
should get " Monte- Cristo 's Daughter" at once, a fid read it. It is complete in 
one large duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 cents, or $1.25 in cloth. 

EDMOND DANTES. The Sequel to " The Count of Monte- Cristo ," by Alex- 
ander Dumas. "Edmond Dantes" is one of the most wonderful rc man ces ever 
issued. Just at the point where "The Count of Monte-Cristo " ends, "Edmond 
Dantes" takes up the fascinating narrative and continues it with marvellous 
power and absorbing interest unto the end. Every person that has read " The 
Count of Monte-Cristo," should get "Edmond Dantes" at once, and read it. 
Complete in one large duodecimo volume, paper, price 75 cents, or $1.25 in cloth. 

THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO. Petersons' New Illustrated 
Edition. By Alexander Dumas. With full-page Engravings, illustrative of va- 
rious scenes in the work. Petersons' Edition of "The Count of Monte-Cristo'''' 
is the only Complete and Unabridged Edition of it ever translated, and it is con- 
ceded by all to be the greatest as well as the most exciting and best historical 
novel ever printed. Complete in one large octavo volume of six hundred pages, 
with illustrations, paper cover, price One Dollar, or #1.50 bound in morocco cloth. 

THE WIFE OF MONTE-CRISTO. Being the Continuation of Alex- 
ander Dumas' Celebrated Novel of "The Count of Monte-Cristo.'''' With an 
Illustrated Cover, with Portraits of "Monte-Cristo" "Haydee," and their faithful 
servant, "Ali," on it. Every person that has read " The Count of Monte-Cristo " 
should get " The Wife of Monte-Cristo " at once, and read it. Complete in one 
large duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 cents, or $1.25 in cloth. 

THE SON OF MONTE-CRISTO. Being the Sequel to " 7 he Wife of 
Monte-Cristo." With an Illustrated Cover, with Portraits of the heroines in the 
work on it. Every person that has read " The Count of Monte-Cristo " or " The 
Wife of Monte-Cristo," should get "The Son of Monte-Cristo" at once, and read 
it. One large duodecimo volume, paper cover, price 75 cents, or $1.25 in cloth. 

THE COUNTESS OF MONTE-CRISTO. Being the Companion t<> 
Alexander Dumas' 1 Celebrated Novel of "The Count of Monte-Cristo," and 
fully equal to that world-renowned novel. At the very commencement of the 
novel the Count of Monte Cristo, Haydee, the wife of Monte-Cristo, and Espe- 
rance, the son of Monte-Cristo, take part in a weird scene, in which Mercedes, 
Albert de Morcerf and the Countess of Monte-Cristo also participate. Complete 
in one large octavo volume, paper cover, price One Dollar, or $1.50 in cloth. 

Petersons' editions of" The Monte-Cristo Series " are for sale by all Booksellers* 
ana at all News Stands everyivhere, or copies of any one or all of them, will be sent to 
any one, post-paid, on remitting the price of the ones wanted to the Publishers, 

T. B. PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia, Pa. 



